Recombinant proteins have revolutionised the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of diseases. They are produced or expressed using bacteria, yeasts, fungi, mammalian cells, insects or plants. In the early 70´s, scientific discoveries in genetic engineering and genetic sequencing techniques led to the advancement of technology of recombinant protein technology. According to data provided by BIO (Biotechnology Industry Organization), an organisation that unites North American biotechnological companies, since the introduction of human insulin in 1982 (the first recombimant protein produced by genetic engineering), more than 254 biotechnological drugs have been approved for more than 392 therapeutic indications.

Among the proteins that are produced at present are:

Growth factors
Monoclonal Antibodies
Hormones
Cytokines
Fusion Proteins
Clotting Factors
Therapeutic Enzymes
Recombinant Vaccines
Thrombolytics and Anticoagulants
Nucleic Acids