Epicyte

Epicyte was a biotechnology company based in San Diego, California, known for its work in the field of genetic engineering and biopharmaceuticals. The company gained attention for its development of genetically modified plants that could produce human antibodies.

History

Epicyte was founded in the late 1990s with the goal of leveraging plant-based systems for the production of therapeutic proteins. The company focused on using genetically modified organisms (GMOs) to create plants that could produce antibodies and other proteins for medical use.

Technology

Epicyte's core technology involved the use of transgenic plants to produce human antibodies. This process, known as pharming, involves inserting genes that encode for specific antibodies into the DNA of plants. These plants then produce the antibodies as they grow, which can be harvested and purified for use in medical treatments.

Antibody Production

The antibodies produced by Epicyte's plants were designed to target specific pathogens, such as viruses and bacteria. This approach aimed to provide a cost-effective and scalable method for producing therapeutic antibodies compared to traditional methods that rely on mammalian cell cultures.

Controversies

Epicyte attracted controversy in the early 2000s when it announced the development of a genetically modified maize that produced antibodies with contraceptive properties. This led to public concern and debate over the ethical implications of such technology and the potential risks associated with the release of genetically modified crops into the environment.

Acquisition

In 2004, Epicyte was acquired by Biolex Therapeutics, a company specializing in the development of protein therapeutics using plant-based systems. The acquisition aimed to combine the strengths of both companies in the field of biopharmaceutical production.

Legacy

Although Epicyte is no longer an independent company, its pioneering work in the field of plant-based antibody production has had a lasting impact on the biotechnology industry. The concept of using plants as bioreactors for the production of therapeutic proteins continues to be explored and developed by various companies and research institutions.

See also

• Genetic engineering
• Biopharmaceutical
• Transgenic plants
• Pharming
• Biolex Therapeutics