By Helen Tunnicliffe


Canadian biotech firm SemBioSys has begun UK-based phase I/II trials of its
insulin which it produces from genetically-engineered safflower plants.


It represents the first time that the plant-produced insulin has been used
on humans with up to 30 healthy volunteers taking part. The trial will
compare the efficacy of SemBioSys? insulin with two commercially-available
forms of insulin. SemBioSys says its version is physically, structurally and
functionally indistinguishable from ordinary pharmaceutical-grade insulin.

"This sophisticated trial is designed to show bioequivalence with respect to
insulin concentrations as well as insulin action on blood glucose,? says
SemBioSys acting chief medical officer Bruce Given.

The results of the trial are expected in the first half of 2009.

SemBioSys announced on 24 December 2008 that Mannkind Corporation has bought
an option to licence rights for the plant-produced insulin for $2.5m. The
deal was expected to close on 5 January 2009. The option period will end on
31 March 2009.

www.checkbiotech.org