17-02-2021, 05:16 PM
(17-02-2021, 04:51 PM)Moth Wrote: [ -> ]Pfizer though.Didn't really want that one as it's so genetically engineered
Speaking as a scientist who works in genomics, the mRNA vaccine isn't (technically speaking) genetically engineered, because it's an exact copy of the spike protein sequence.
Genetic engineering is when you change an organism's DNA sequence to produce a desired effect, like inserting the gene for insulin into bacteria in order to make it in huge quantities. Which is of course a good thing, since extracting insulin from pig pancreas is expensive.
Rather, the Pfizer vaccine is synthesised from its component chemicals, as are almost all drugs. It just happens to be made from some of the same building blocks as DNA, instead of being a completely invented molecule. In fact I'd argue that makes it more "natural" than most drugs out there
(FWIW, I'm not keen on GMO crops, but that's more because they're grown in open fields where they can potentially escape, or interbreed with wild species, which could be disastrous for the environment. "Brewing" insulin in a vat is a much safer use of the technology, IMHO.)
