Step 1: Understand the concept of genetically engineered insulin.
Genetically engineered insulin refers to insulin produced using recombinant DNA technology. In this method, the human insulin gene is inserted into microorganisms such as bacteria, which then produce insulin identical to natural human insulin.
Step 2: Identify the company responsible for the first production.
The first successful production of genetically engineered human insulin was achieved by the biotechnology company Genentech. This breakthrough occurred in 1978, when scientists used recombinant DNA technology to produce insulin in bacteria.
Step 3: Commercial production and marketing.
Although Genentech developed the technology, the insulin was later manufactured and marketed on a large scale by the pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly under the brand name Humulin in 1982. This became the first genetically engineered drug approved for human use.
Final Answer:
The company that first produced genetically engineered insulin was Genentech.