The first genetically engineered human insulin (Humulin) which is a protein, was launched on 5th July 1983 by an American company named

Options

A. (a) Columbus
B. (b) Biotech
C. (c) Eli Lilly
D. (d) Hoechast

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Question**: The question asks for the name of the American company that launched the first genetically engineered human insulin, known as Humulin, on July 5, 1983.

2. **Identifying the Company**: The company that developed and launched Humulin is Eli Lilly and Company. This is a well-known pharmaceutical company in the United States.

3. **Background Information**: Humulin is significant because it was the first insulin produced through genetic engineering. Prior to this, insulin was extracted from animal sources, primarily pigs and cows, which had some differences from human insulin.

4. **Production Process**: The production of Humulin involved:
- The extraction of the A and B chains of insulin from human DNA.
- The use of *E. coli* bacteria as a host to produce these chains.
- Genetic engineering techniques, including the use of restriction enzymes to cut DNA and DNA ligase to join DNA fragments, were employed to insert the insulin genes into the *E. coli*.

5. **Final Product**: The *E. coli* bacteria produced the A and B chains of insulin, which were then combined to form the functional insulin (Humulin) after the removal of the C peptide.

6. **Conclusion**: Therefore, the answer to the question is Eli Lilly and Company.

**Final Answer**: Eli Lilly and Company

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