Just thought this patent application interesting particularly since the role
of breastfeeding in preventing cardiovascular disease is still considered
questionable.  This patent application is called "Lactoferrin in the reduction of
circulating cholesterol, vascular inflammation, atherosclerosis and
cardiovascular disease."  The inventors are Atul Varadhachary et al of Houston, Texas.
Atul Varadhachary, MD, is the President and Chief Operating Officer of Agennix
(US company that makes recombinant human lactoferrin).  This is patent
application # 20040152623 and filed in December of 2003.

I have seen other human lactoferrin patents with somewhat similar claims.
There are several DHA patents that claim that DHA prevents or treats
cardiovascular problems.  So various companies and researchers in these companies are
making claims regarding these human milk components.  In most cases, these
components are genetically engineered.  I believe that most of this research is
based on human milk research.

It is fascinating that as breastfeeding advocates, we cannot make certain
health claims about breastfeeding because the data is limited, etc.  At the same
time,  our industries genetically engineer the human milk component, make a
claim,  patent it,  and market it for a profit.  It's an interesting situation
and seems to be weighted in favor of the infant formula, dairy, supplement, and
drug industries who have benefited from human milk research.
Valerie W. McClain, breastfeeding advocate

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