Introduction

Human body and body parts are used by biotech companies in the production of biomedical goods and services, and in academic and commercial research. Parts of the human body are used in transplant operations, fertility treatments, artistic casts and medical education. Biotechnology has also converted some medicinal plants, mainly from developing countries, and associated traditional knowledge into useful pharmaceutical compounds and products. Modern biotechnology has made possible the scientific and industrial use of new or uncommon raw materials in the production of goods and services that have implications for human health, well-being and the creation of wealth.