biotech 1980s
1988
Congress funds the Human Genome Project, a massive effort to map and sequence the human genetic code as well as the genomes of other species. The first agreement between two companies with parallel patents for cross-licensing of biotech products occurs and becomes the prototype.
1981
Dr. Baruch Blumberg and Dr. Irving Millman develop the first vaccine for hepatitis B (not recombinant). Scientists in Switzerland clone mice. The first transgenic animals are produced by transferring genes from other animals into mice.
1983
Dr. Luc Montagnier of the Pasteur Institute in Paris isolates the AIDS virus. Dr. Kary Banks Mullis invents the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), a technique for multiplying DNA sequences. PCR is recognized as the most revolutionary molecular biology technique of the 1980s. The FDA approves a monoclonal antibody based diagnostic test to detect Chlamydia trachomatis. The first artificial chromosome is synthesized. The first genetic markers for specific inherited diseases are found.
1985
Genetic fingerprinting enters the courtroom. Genentech becomes the first biotechnology company to launch its own biopharmaceutical product. Genetically engineered plants resistant to insects, viruses and bacteria are field-tested for the first time. Cloning of the gene that encodes human lung surfactant protein is accomplished. This is a major step toward reducing premature birth complications. The NIH approves guidelines for performing experiments in gene therapy on humans.
1984
The DNA fingerprinting technique is developed. When a restrictive enzyme is applied to DNA from different individuals, the resulting sets of fragments sometimes differ markedly from one person to the next. Such variations in DNA are called restriction fragment length polymorphisms and are extremely useful in genetic studies. The first genetically engineered vaccine is developed for hepatitis B. The entire genome of the HIV virus is cloned and sequenced.
1989
The FDA approves Amgen's first biologically derived human therapeutic. Oil-eating bacteria are used to clean up the Exxon Valdez oil spill. A gene responsible for cystic fibrosis is discovered.
1987
The FDA approves a genetically engineered tissue plasminogen activator to treat heart attacks. Dr. Maynard Olson and colleagues at Washington University invent yeast artificial chromosomes, which are expression vectors for large proteins. Reverse transcription and the polymerase chain reaction are combined to amplify messenger RNA sequences. DNA microarray technology, the use of a collection of distinct DNAs in arrays for expression profiling, is first described. The arrayed DNAs are used to identify genes whose expression is modulated by interferon. The FDA approves a diagnostic serum tumor marker test for ovarian cancer.
1982
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves the first biologic or recombinant protein.
1980
The U.S. Supreme Court rules genetically altered life forms can be patented, opening up enormous possibilities for commercially exploiting genetic engineering. The first patent of this nature was awarded to the Exxon oil company to patent an oil-eating microorganism, which would later be used in the 1989 cleanup of the Exxon oil spill at Prince William Sound, Alaska. Dr. Stanley Cohen and Dr. Herbert Boyer receive a U.S. patent for gene cloning. The first automatic gene machine, or gene synthesizing machine, is developed in California. Founding of Amgen, which will grow to become the world's largest biotechnology medicines company.
1986
University of California, Berkeley, chemist Dr. Peter Schultz describes how to combine antibodies and enzymes (abzymes) to create therapeutics. The automated DNA sequencer is invented in California. The FDA approves the first monoclonal antibody treatment to fight kidney transplant rejection. The FDA approves first biotech-derived interferon drugs to treat cancer. In 1988, the drugs are used to treat Kaposi's sarcoma, a complication of AIDS. The FDA approves the first genetically engineered human vaccine to prevent hepatitis B.