EU scientists create new medicinal use for tobacco plants
A Euro 12m EU research project has developed genetically modified tobacco plants able to produce a pharmacologically active substance treating autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
A Euro 12m EU research project has developed genetically modified tobacco plants able to produce a pharmacologically active substance treating autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
Pharma-Planta project scientists have created interleukin-10 (IL-10) from these tobacco plants at sufficiently high levels for effective extraction and purification. IL-10 is a protein that regulates the immune system.
The project was co-ordinated by Italy's University of Verona along with scientists from Germany, Austria and the University of Perugia, also in Italy. "The fact that they can be eaten.. delivers the drug where it is needed," noted Verona's Professor. Mario Pezzotti.