[Gene technology in production of modern drugs]

In the last years gene technology has influenced dramatically medical and biological disciplines. With the help of molecular biology it is possible to produce a variety of proteins in alternative ways. Further, substances can be produced which exist in nature only in trace amounts, and therefore can not be produced with conventional methods. However, there is no other scientific discipline which is discussed so controversially in public like genetic engineering. The "new" biology comprises a multitude of disciplines which are difficult to understand for non experts. Unfortunately, gene technology has become the new symbol for "uncontrolled" technology development. In this review article the basic concepts of genetic engineering will be explained. Further, the production of some recombinant drugs, which are already used in practice, will be demonstrated. Finally, some safety aspects concerning about risk assessment are discussed.