GM Peas to Protect Animals in Germany

A new approach for protecting animals against infectious diseases is being investigated by Novoplant, one of the new plant biotech firms based in Gatersleben, Germany. This involves inserting suitable genes in feed crops to produce the antibodies. Mixing these in animal feed would allow the animals to ingest the antibodies and supplement the animals' immune system through a ‘passive inoculation’.

Novoplant has developed four different GM pea lines each producing a specific antibody for a particular infectious disease. Farthest in its development is the GM pea that produces "single-chain antibodies" against Escherichia coli bacteria, which triggers intestinal infections in pigs. The antibodies are produced only in the seeds and not in the rest of the plant.

At this point, field trial plans with genetically modified peas are being set by Novoplant in Gatersleben. The researchers want to find out genetic stability of the peas and the antibody yield that can be achieved under field conditions. The trial has not yet been authorized by the Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety (BVL).

Read the full article at http://www.gmo-safety.eu/en/news/536.docu.html