What type of medicine is insulin classified as?

Insulin is classified as biotechnological medicine because it is produced using biotechnology processes, specifically recombinant DNA technology. This involves inserting the human insulin gene into bacteria or yeast, which then produce insulin through their own cellular machinery. This method allows for large-scale production of insulin that is identical to the natural hormone produced by the pancreas.

Biotechnological medicines are typically those that derive from living organisms and involve advanced biotechnological techniques for their development and production. Insulin is a prime example as it has revolutionized diabetes treatment by providing a synthetic version of a hormone that is crucial for glucose metabolism in the body. In contrast, homeopathic, herbal, and pharmaceutical classifications do not accurately encompass the sophisticated genetic engineering methods used to create insulin.