NPR: drug companies NEED limitations on liability (tell your rep, NO!!!)

[AP]

Fate of 'BioShield' Bill for Anti-Terror Drugs Unclear

Congress this week is expected to take up a $6 billion bill for developing tests, treatments and vaccines against bioterrorism. Known as Project BioShield, the plan aims to create research incentives for the private sector. But many drug and biotech firms say without protections from potential lawsuits, the bill won't do much to stimulate drug development. Hear NPR's Julie Rovner.

http://www.npr.org/rundowns/rundown.php?prgDate=01-Jun-2004&prgId=3

It was just so fascistic. We have this fear of terrorism, and corporations are using it to argue that they shouldn't have to develop their drugs so that they're less likely to kill people. What they want is guaranteed profits.

It's just so sick.

Of course, NPR interviewed two drug industry reps, and interviewed nobody who said, hmm, maybe it's not a good idea to do this.

Write your congressperson and beg them not to subsidize big pharma profits with the welfare of Americans. Hell, we're giving them 6 billion dollars. The least they can do is come up with safe products. I'm willing to pay for that.

[Trillo]

1. More hypocrisy

corporations are using it to argue that they shouldn't have to develop their drugs so that they're less likely to kill

Didn't the FDA recently remove Ephedra from the list of herbs that could be sold, citing safety issues?

[Soopercali]

2. Don't kid yourself.

I worked for a consulting firm for Big Pharma and I can tell you since Bush took over, there's very little FDA oversight or enforcement.

They're trying to grab what they can on the way out.

[AP]

3. exactly. They know their days are numbered and this smash and grab

adminstration is setting the example for their business practices.

[lanparty]

4. Snake oil ... Get your Snake Oil here

It prevents against Aids, Anthrax, and Serin nerve gas*.


*Disclaimer: Product untested. Take at your own risk. You cannot sue use even though we lie to you.



Neo-cons are trying to dismantle the EPA and protection of our food and medicine supply now. Their religion tells them that government can only interfere. They have no perspective.

[BabsSong]

5. It's all rather laughable against the backdrop of these same corporations

screaming that we cannot import (re-import) drugs from other countries because we are gonna just drop over dead from them; thus, we need good ole home-growin Amurekan drugs to protect us. Of course, how many are made overseas?? How many Canadians have dropped over dead because of their terrible, horrible drugs - how many Canadian drugs are sent right from here, etc. Who the hell needs the Mafia and other organized criminal enterprises when we have the drug corporatons and the insurance industry running our nation----a protection racket is a protection racket is a protection racket....