Timeline of Medical Biotechnology
- 1950
- 1960
- 1970
- 1980
- 1990
- 2000
- 2010
1952
Dr. George Gey establishes a continuous cell line taken from a human cervical carcinoma isolated from Henrietta Lacks, who died of the cancer in 1951. This cell line, containing HeLa cells, is commonly used in medical research.
1953
Dr. James Watson and Dr. Francis Crick reveal the 3-D structure of DNA.
1954
Dr. Joseph Murray performs the first kidney transplant between identical twins.
1955
An enzyme, DNA polymerase, involved in the synthesis of a nucleic acid, is isolated for the first time. Dr. Jonas Salk develops the first polio vaccine. The development marks the first use of mammalian cells (monkey kidney cells) and the first application of cell culture technology to generate a vaccine.
1957
Scientists prove that sickle-cell anemia occurs due to a change in a single amino acid in hemoglobin cells.
1958
Dr. Arthur Kornberg of Washington University in St. Louis makes DNA in a test tube for the first time. The first automatic protein sequencer, the Moore-Stein amino acid analyzer, is developed.
1960
French scientists discover messenger RNA (mRNA).
1961
Scientists understand genetic code for the first time.
1962
Dr. Osamu Shimomura discovers the green fluorescent protein in the jellyfish Aequorea victoria. He later develops it into a tool for observing previously invisible cellular processes.
1963
Independent groups in the United States, Germany and China synthesize insulin, a pancreatic hormone. Dr. Samuel Katz and Dr. John F. Enders develop the first vaccine for measles.
1964
The existence of reverse transcriptase is predicted.
1967
Dr. Maurice Hilleman develops the first American vaccine for mumps.
1969
The first vaccine for rubella is developed. It is combined with the measles and mumps vaccines to form the measles/mumps/rubella vaccine in 1971.
1970
Restriction enzymes are discovered. These enzymes cut DNA into pieces and are used for various studies and applications. The restriction enzyme technique becomes a fundamental tool in modern genetic research and opens the way for gene cloning. Dr. Har Gobind Khorana synthesizes the first complete gene at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
1972
DNA ligase, which links DNA fragments together, is used for the first time. The DNA composition of humans is discovered to be 99 percent similar to that of chimpanzees and gorillas. The purified enzyme reverse transcriptase is first used to synthesize complementary DNA from purified messenger RNA in a test tube.
1973
Dr. Stanley Cohen and Dr. Herbert Boyer use bacterial genes to perform the first successful recombinant DNA experiment, which inserted a recombinant DNA molecule into a cell for replication. Dr. Edwin Southern develops a blotting technique for DNA called the Southern blot. It becomes a seminal technology for studying the structure of DNA.
1974
The U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) forms a Recombinant DNA Advisory Committee to oversee recombinant genetic research. The first vaccine for chicken pox is developed in Japan.
1975
Colony hybridization and Southern blotting are developed for detecting specific DNA sequences. The first monoclonal antibodies are produced. Dr. César Milstein, Dr. Georges Kohler and Dr. Niels Jerne develop monoclonal antibody technology by fusing immortal tumor cells with antibody-producing B-lymphocyte cells to produce hybridomas that continuously synthesize identical (or monoclonal) antibodies.
1976
The NIH releases the first guidelines for recombinant DNA research. Molecular hybridization is used for the prenatal diagnosis of alpha thalassemia. Yeast genes are expressed in E coli bacteria.
1977
Protocols are developed to rapidly sequence long sections of DNA. Genetically engineered bacteria are used to synthesize the human growth protein somatostatin, marking the first time a synthetic recombinant gene is used to clone a protein. Many consider this to be the advent of the Age of Biotechnology. Dr. Robert Austrian of the University of Pennsylvania develops the first vaccine for pneumonia.
1978
Dr. Herbert Boyer of the University of California, San Francisco, constructs a synthetic version of the human insulin gene and inserts it into the bacterium E coli, allowing the bacterium to produce human insulin. The first test-tube baby, Louise Brown, is born in the United Kingdom. The first vaccine for meningococcal meningitis is developed.
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.
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.
1982
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves the first biologic or recombinant protein.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
1990
The first federally approved gene therapy treatment is performed successfully on a 4-year-old girl suffering from an immune disorder called adenosine deaminase deficiency. The Human Genome Project, the international effort to map all of the genes in the human body, is launched. Estimated cost: $3 billion. The FDA licenses the first hepatitis C antibody test, which helps to ensure the purity of blood bank products. The FDA approves a bioengineered form of the protein interferon gamma to treat chronic granulomatous disease. The FDA approves a modified enzyme for enzyme replacement therapy to treat severe combined immunodeficiency disease. It is the first successful application of enzyme replacement therapy for an inherited disease.
1992
The U.S. Army collects blood and tissue samples from all new recruits as part of a genetic dog tag program aimed at better identification of soldiers killed in combat. The FDA approve the first genetically engineered blood-clotting factor—a recombinant protein used to treat hemophilia A. The FDA approves a recombinant protein to treat renal cell cancer. American and British scientists unveil a technique for testing embryos in vitro for genetic abnormalities such as cystic fibrosis and hemophilia.
1993
The FDA approves a recombinant protein to treat multiple sclerosis—marking the first new multiple sclerosis treatment in 20 years. An international research team, led by Dr. Daniel Cohen of the Center for the Study of Human Polymorphisms in Paris, produces a rough map of all 23 pairs of human chromosomes. Two smaller trade associations merge to form the Biotechnology Industry Organization, an international biotechnology advocacy group.
1994
The FDA approves a recombinant protein to treat growth hormone deficiency. Dr. Mary-Claire King at the University of California, Berkeley, discovers the first breast cancer gene, BRCA1. The FDA approves a modified enzyme to treat Gaucher's disease. A multitude of genes, human and otherwise, are identified and their functions described. These include: Ob, a gene predisposing to obesity BCR, a breast cancer susceptibility gene BCL-2, a gene associated with apoptosis (programmed cell death) Hedgehog genes (named because of their shape) produce proteins that guide cell differentiation in advanced organisms Vpr, a gene governing reproduction of the HIV virus Linkage studies identify genes for a variety of ailments, including bipolar disorder, cerulean cataracts, melanoma, hearing loss, dyslexia, thyroid cancer, sudden infant death syndrome, prostate cancer and dwarfism. The FDA approves a genetically engineered version of human DNase, which breaks down protein accumulation in the lungs of cystic fibrosis patients. It represents the first new therapeutic drug for managing cystic fibrosis in more than 30 years.
1995
The first baboon-to-human bone marrow transplant is performed on an AIDS patient. The first vaccine for hepatitis A is developed. The NIH, the U.S. Army and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are significantly involved in the development and clinical testing of the vaccine. Scientists at the Institute for Genomic Research complete the first full gene sequence of a living organism (other than a virus) for the bacterium Haemophilus influenzae. A European research team identifies a genetic defect that appears to be the most common cause of deafness.
1996
The Department of Biochemistry at Stanford University and Affymetrix develop the GeneChip, a small glass or silica microchip that contains thousands of individual genes that can be analyzed simultaneously. This marks a technological breakthrough in gene expression and DNA-sequencing technology. A group of scientists sequence the complete genome of a complex organism, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, otherwise known as baker's yeast. The achievement marks the complete sequencing of the largest genome to date—more than 12 million base pairs of DNA. A new, inexpensive diagnostic biosensor test is developed to allow instantaneous detection of a toxic strain of E coli, the bacteria responsible for many food-poisoning outbreaks.
1997
The first human artificial chromosome is created. A combination of natural and synthetic DNA is used to create a genetic cassette that can potentially be customized and used in gene therapy. The FDA approves a recombinant follicle stimulating hormone to treat infertility. The FDA approves the first bloodless HIV-antibody test that uses cells from patients' gums. Scientists at the Institute for Genomic Research sequence the complete genome of the Lyme disease pathogen, Borrelia burgdorferi, along with the genome for the organism linked to stomach ulcers, Helicobacter pylori. Scientists at the University of Wisconsin–Madison sequence the E coli genome. The FDA approves the first therapeutic antibody to treat cancer in the United States. It is used for patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
1998
Human skin is produced for the first time in the lab. Two research teams culture embryonic stem cells. Embryonic stem cells are used to regenerate tissue and create disorders mimicking diseases. Scientists at the Sanger Institute (formerly Sanger Centre) in the United Kingdom and at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis sequence the first complete animal genome for the Caenorhabditis elegans worm. A rough draft of the human genome map is produced, showing the locations of more than 30,000 genes. The first vaccine for Lyme disease is developed. The FDA approves a novel monoclonal antibody to treat Crohn's disease. A monoclonal antibody therapy used against breast cancer has favorable results, heralding a new era of treatment based on molecular targeting of tumor cells. Approval of the HER2 inhibitor for the treatment of breast cancer in patients who have tested positive for the HER2 mutation brings personalized medicine to oncology.
1999
The complete genetic code of the human chromosome is deciphered.
2000
Scientists at Celera Genomics and the Human Genome Project complete a rough draft of the human genome.
2001
Science and Nature magazines publish the human genome sequence, making it possible for scientists all over the world to begin researching new treatments for diseases that have genetic origins, such as cancer, heart disease, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.
2002
An era of very rapid shotgun sequencing of major genomes is completed. Included are the mouse, chimpanzee, dog and hundreds of other species.
2003
Celera and NIH complete sequencing of the human genome.
2004
The FDA approves the first monoclonal antibody that is an antiangiogenic, inhibiting the growth of blood vessels—or angiogenesis—for cancer therapy. The FDA clears a DNA microarray test system, which aids in selecting medications for a variety of conditions. This is an important step toward personalized medicine.
2006
The FDA approves a recombinant vaccine against human papillomavirus, which causes genital warts and can cause cervical cancer. Scientists determine the 3-D structure of the human immunodeficiency virus, which causes AIDS.
2007
Scientists discover how to use human skin cells to create embryonic stem cells.
2008
Chemists in Japan create the first DNA molecule made almost entirely of artificial parts. The discovery can be used in the fields of gene therapy. Dr. J. Craig Venter and his team replicate a bacterium's genetic structure entirely from laboratory chemicals, moving a step closer toward creating the world's first living artificial organism.
2009
U.S. President Barack Obama signs executive order freeing up federal funding for broader research on embryonic stem cells. Researchers identify three new genes associated with Alzheimer's disease, paving the way for potential new diagnostics and therapeutics. Geron initiates the first FDA approved clinical trial using embryonic stem cells.
2010
Harvard researchers report building “lung on a chip” – technology. Dr. J. Craig Venter announces completion of “synthetic life” by transplanting synthetic genome capable of self-replication into a recipient bacterial cell. ReNeuron initiates clinical trial using a genetically engineered neural stem cell line to treat stroke victims. Neuralstem initiates clinical trial using human embryonic stem cells to treat patients suffering ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease). FDA approves a personalized prostate cancer medicine that boosts a patient's immune cells to recognize and attack the cancer cells. Passage of Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The FDA approves an osteoporosis treatment that is one of the first medicines based on genomic studies.
2011
Trachea derived from stem cells transplanted into human recipient. Advances in 3-D printing technology lead to “skin-printing”. Advances in next generation sequencing enable human whole genome sequencing in less than one week for under $2,000. FDA approves the first cord blood therapy to be used in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation procedures in patients with disorders affecting the hematopoietic (blood forming) system.
2012
FDA issues draft rules for biosimilar drugs.
* Inglés solamente
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