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Using Genetically Modified Silkworms to Develop Cheaper Drugs

  • The NIAS breeds many varieties of silkworms. This both benefits research and contributes to the preservation of the species.

    The NIAS breeds many varieties of silkworms. This both benefits research and contributes to the preservation of the species.

  • Silkworms lay 300–400 eggs at a single time. Immediately after hatching they are the size of small pieces of thread, but after molting four times their body weight is some 10,000 times greater.

    Silkworms lay 300–400 eggs at a single time. Immediately after hatching they are the size of small pieces of thread, but after molting four times their body weight is some 10,000 times greater.

  • Silkworm eggs are about 1 mm in diameter. Great skill is required to inject DNA into the portion of the egg that will differentiate into germ cells (top). Chief researcher Uchino Keirō introducing DNA into an egg using a microscope (bottom).

    Silkworm eggs are about 1 mm in diameter. Great skill is required to inject DNA into the portion of the egg that will differentiate into germ cells (top). Chief researcher Uchino Keirō introducing DNA into an egg using a microscope (bottom).

  • Dr. Machii Hiroaki, director of the Genetically Modified Organism Research Center, NIAS

    Dr. Machii Hiroaki, director of the Genetically Modified Organism Research Center, NIAS

  • When introducing new materials to existing markets, cost competitiveness is as important as quality. Researchers at Immuno-Biological Laboratories believe proteins derived from transgenic silkworms offer cost benefits for some pharmaceutical products.

    When introducing new materials to existing markets, cost competitiveness is as important as quality. Researchers at Immuno-Biological Laboratories believe proteins derived from transgenic silkworms offer cost benefits for some pharmaceutical products.

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