The next generation of genetically modified (GM) plants may make products headed for the pharmacy shelves. Researchers and biotech companies have begun engineering plants to produce a wide variety of pharmaceuticals such as edible vaccines, therapeutic proteins and plant-produced antibodies.

This article from the Pew Initiative on Food and Biotechnology describes how far the technology has progressed, and looks into the pros and cons of so-called 'pharming'.

While the technology's developers hope GM plants will provide a cheaper way to produce drugs, consumer advocates argue that current regulatory system isn't up to the challenge of plant-based pharmaceuticals, and environmentalists are concerned that the proteins produced could accidentally make their way into the food supply.

Link to full AgBiotech Buzz article