Biotechnology grows in Third World

TORONTO, Dec. 6 (UPI) -- Canadian researchers say biotechnology is no loner the sole preserve of North American or European scientists.

Cuba, South Korea, Brazil, China and India make and export their own biotech vaccines, Egypt manufactures recombinant insulin and South Africa is developing a novel vaccine for HIV/AIDS, a study by the University of Toronto Joint Center for Bioethics said.

The study, summarized in Monday's edition of the journal Nature Biotechnology, noted, "Nowhere is the need for science and technology as a tool for development more relevant than in addressing the health needs of the world's poor," sad Peter Singer, a study author.

"Vaccines, diagnostic tools and other products of biotechnology which can be produced relatively easily and cheaply by developing countries have the potential to save millions of people who die each year from diseases. This study helps to reveal and understand the recipe used by developing countries to create thriving health biotech industries."