Drug created from genetically engineered goats

WASHINGTON — In a scientific first, an anti-clotting drug made from the milk of genetically engineered goats is moving closer to government approval for humans.

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An evaluation by the Food and Drug Administration released Wednesday says the medication works and its safety is acceptable.

Called ATryn, the drug is intended to help people with a rare hereditary disorder that makes them vulnerable to life-threatening blood clots.

Its approval would be a major step toward new kinds of medications made not from chemicals, but from living organisms genetically manipulated by scientists. Similar drugs could be available in the next few years for a range of human ailments, including hemophilia.

ATryn is made by Massachusetts-based GTC Biotherapeutics.