AstraZeneca believes that the use of genetically modified micro-organisms (GMMs) is an essential activity in the discovery and development of new medicines for serious human disease.

We define GMMs as viruses, bacteria, fungi (yeast) and cultured mammalian and insect cells, into which genetic material, usually from a different species, most commonly human, has been inserted by means that do not occur naturally. Their use makes it possible to modify the characteristics of cells and to obtain highly purified recombinant proteins. These can then be used as tools to help identify factors that cause human disease through a better understanding of the role that genes and their associated proteins play in this process and also to develop and test new medicines.

We also use GMMs in our biopharmaceutical activities in the discovery, development and manufacture of medicines derived from biological molecules, for example antibodies (proteins produced by living organisms in response to disease, but which can also be manufactured using new technologies involving recombinant cells).

Staff who work with GMMs are scientifically qualified and are trained and competent in this area of research.

All use of GMMs is conducted in accordance with national and international legislation, with our own rigorous internal policy and biosafety compliance framework governing their use, storage and disposal, and with the high ethical standards outlined in the our Bioethics Policy and Code of Conduct. 

The content of this page was externally assured by Bureau Veritas, February 2008