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

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