Biotechnology milestones — What is widely recognized as the first therapeutic product manufactured using recombinant DNA technology for human medicine?

Introduction / Context:
The earliest success of recombinant DNA technology in therapeutics transformed diabetes care. Knowing which product came first helps anchor the timeline of biopharmaceutical development and regulatory milestones.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Recombinant therapeutics require cloning of human genes into microbial hosts.
• Purity and consistency are superior to animal-sourced products.
• Regulatory approvals mark historic “firsts.”

Concept / Approach:
Recombinant human insulin (often called Humulin) was the first FDA-approved therapeutic produced by recombinant DNA technology in the early 1980s. Produced in Escherichia coli (and later in yeast), it replaced animal-derived insulin, reducing immunogenicity and improving supply reliability.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Biotech histories and regulatory archives consistently cite insulin as the first marketed recombinant therapeutic, setting standards for bioprocessing and quality control.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• hGH/tPA: important rDNA products but approved after insulin.
• HBV vaccine: a recombinant vaccine, not the first recombinant therapeutic drug.
• FMD vaccine: veterinary and developed later, not a human therapeutic first.

Common Pitfalls:
Conflating “first recombinant vaccine” with “first recombinant therapeutic drug.” These categories are distinct in biopharma history.

Final Answer:
Insulin.