Frequently Asked Questions

Does it hurt the chickens?

No. The chickens live normal lives in a normal chicken house, except for the extra security. To start the transgenic process, chickens receive an injection. But their progeny are produced naturally. The technology allows the chickens to remain transgenic through the third generation.

Are the chickens cloned?

Although the chickens are transgenic, meaning the gene for the protein of interest has been added to their DNA, they are not cloned. They’re normal chickens except for the added bonus of specialized proteins in their eggs. TGRx uses a common breed called single-comb white leghorn, a white chicken with red combs, because they are good layers.

What types of drugs will be the first to go into production using your technology?

First on the list are human growth hormones and anticlonal antibodies for use in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
 

Why chickens? The chicken egg is Mother Nature’s perfect bioreactor. Chicken eggs, as proven by decades of FDA-approved vaccine production, are a reliable and safe source of products for human use. Scientifically, it is efficient to isolate proteins in chicken eggs because the egg contains only about 20 proteins. Each egg contains about 4 to 4.5 grams of protein. Further, there is ease of transport in the use of eggs. And the poultry industry is already a well-established, highly-productive industry.

Where are the chickens kept?

The chickens are housed in a secure facility near the Louisiana State University campus.

Can they get out?

No, the chickens cannot get out of their building. The building is kept secured at all times. All FDA rules and regulations are followed. In fact, TGRx goes further than the guidelines require. For example, the FDA requires two wall barriers; the TGRx houses have four.