An interesting web site http://www.niaid.nih.gov/publications/economic/collab.htm NIAID is a division of the National Institute of Health and this site should be of interest to all of us in the health field. In my opinion this policy: that of government collaborating with industry and academia in order to lead to marketable products, is a dangerous policy. This site talks about the rotavirus vaccine that was developed thru this policy. "Clinical trial sponsored by NIAID's industry partner showed that this orally administered vaccine was safe in infants and significantly reduced the incidence of rotavirus diarrhea." I certainly don't want to talk about vaccines in this forum. In my opinion the value of studies and policies brought forth by the NIAID is questionable when certain industries will benefit economically from this partnership. Another interesting fact I picked up in browsing the web is that the Burroughs-Wellcome Foundation(which supposedly has nothing to do with the pharmaceutical company with the same name--also known for producer of AZT)donates about $30 million in research and development yearly. They have advisory committees that determine which studies the Foundation will look at and there are several committee members who are also from the NIH. I am speculating only but I would assume that the advisory committee is a paid position. Alot to ponder over and reflect on as we move towards a new century. Valerie W. McClain, IBCLC *********************************************** The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(TM) mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html