from SLATE, 12/2/07: >The Los Angeles TIMES leads with an
investigation into a major lobbying drive that persuaded officials to
nix plans for an improved anthrax vaccine. ... Scientists have long
warned that America needs a better anthrax vaccine: The existing
version can cause adverse reactions, requires a series of six
injections over a period of 18 months, and has a shelf life of just
three years. Officials awarded a massive contract to a company that
appeared set to deliver a superior product—but pulled funding for the
project after intensive lobbying by the old vaccine's producer.
"National security took a back seat to politics and the power of
lawyers and lobbyists," says one former biodefense official.<
--
Jim Devine / "The radios blare musak and newsak, diseases are cured every day /
the worst disease is to be unwanted, to be used up, and cast away." --
Peter Case ("Poor Old Tom").
