No, none of our products have ever contained genes encoding for anti-sperm antibodies. To answer your specific question about Epicyte: we did not have any agreements with Epicyte or Biolex Therapeutics (the company that acquired Epicyte in 2004) to conduct joint research or develop products. Claims that Monsanto was involved in the research or development of food crops containing antibodies that kill or block sperm are incorrect.
QDoes Monsanto crops or products contain the Epicyte gene or any other gene that acts in the same way to create antibodies that kill or block sperm?
Question submitted By: GMOsux
Does Monsanto crops or products contain the Epicyte gene or any other gene that acts in the same way to create antibodies that kill or block sperm?
AExpert Answer
Response from Ray Dobert, Biotech Regulatory Policy Lead, Monsanto Company · Friday, 9/13/2013 8:52 pm
Posted on March 2, 2017
Response from: Kevin C. Glenn, Ph.D., Allergenicity/Pipeline Issues Mgmt Lead, Monsanto Company • on August 22, 2017
The term “GMO” typically refers to crops or animals that, through genetic engineering, have had a gene (or a few genes) from a different species inserted into their genome. So yes, by design, to improve a crop or animal with genetic engineering, the genome of the new, GE variety has been changed by the addition of new genes(s).
Your question also asks about whether inserting the new gene(s) will “…activate genes…” Some traits in... Read More
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Posted on August 15, 2017
Response from: Karri Hammerstrom, Agricultural Advocate; Grower of Food, Fiber & Kids; Consumer • on August 17, 2017
No! However, poor nutrition coupled with highly processed foods and a lack of education regarding healthy eating is bad for our kids. As a mother and farmer, I believe the best way to keep my family safe and healthy is to make sure they eat a balanced diet and make good food choices daily. Fresh, healthy ingredients and minimally processed foods that are low in sugar, salt, calories and cholesterol provide kids with the best opportunity for a healthy diet.
Agricultural biotechnology... Read More
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Posted on May 6, 2017
Response from: Robert Murray, MD, Professor, Human Nutrition, The Ohio State University • on August 10, 2017
A gene with a desirable trait can be moved from one organism to another organism as a means to change it. The traditional way is through selective breeding, which is slow, time consuming, inefficient, and transfers more than one gene, so other unexpected and unwanted traits can cause problems. But genes also can be moved in a laboratory, resulting in what has been called a genetically modified (“transgenic”) organism (GMO). GM technology moves only one gene, eliminating other,... Read More
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About the Expert
Ray Dobert
11 Answers
I’ve held a variety of roles in Monsanto’s biotech regulatory group since joining the company in 1998. Previously I worked at USDA-APHIS as a Biotechnologist reviewer and as the Coordinator of the Biotechnology Information Center based at the USDA’s National Agricultural Library. I received my Ph.D. in Agronomy-Crop Physiology and conducted my post-doctoral research in plant-microbe molecular...
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