Organizations Denounce Attacks on Crops Used to Help Treat Cystic Fibrosis
In my work as a grant researcher, I’ve seen a number of worthwhile efforts by university scientists and researchers who are working to develop new treatments for a wide range of diseases and conditions in order to improve the lives of individuals affected by such ailments. However, I was sad and a bit angry to read about some recent attacks on biopharmaceutical crops being grown in France to potentially treat cystic fibrosis and other diseases (Biopharming vs. Cystic Fibrosis, Truth About Trade & Technology, 10/21/05). The damage done to these crops that could potentially do so much for others has to make a person wonder why someone would do such a thing or why something like this could happen. It certainly made me ask those same questions.
According to news reports, during the summer of 2005, a French protest group known as the Collectif des faucheurs volontaires (or, “the Volunteer Reapers”), claimed responsibility for destroying biopharmaceutical crops planted by Meristem, a French company that is a leader in the plant-made pharmaceutical industry. These crops were reportedly intended to produce anti-cancer antibodies as well as proteins that would hopefully ease the effects of cystic fibrosis.
One organization that has come out and denounced the attacks on the crops by the “Volunteer Reapers” is the International Academy of Life Sciences, a global network of universities, medical schools, and related institutions that are dedicated to education, training, and research in key issues associated with the life sciences. According to Dr. Hilmar Stolte, president of the International Academy of Life Sciences, these groups may have damaged the hopes that individuals suffering from these illnesses have of finding a treatment that will allow them to lead a normal life one day.
“This case illustrates the need for informed dialogue on plant-made pharmaceuticals that looks at the medical issues and opportunities from a sound grounding in science,” said Dr. Stolte.
Dr. Stolte also called for continued work by researchers and organizations to develop biopharmaceutical crops and the need to continue a dialogue to further public understanding of the opportunities the technology offers.
“It is imperative that the public is informed about plant-made pharmaceuticals,” said Dr. Stolte. “It would be regrettable, and even tragic, if the combative political environment that currently exists in some parts of Europe were to curb investment in – or excuse the destruction of – potentially life-saving pharmaceutical crops.”
The attack was also met with opposition from the group Defeating Cystic Fibrosis as well as from the French Biotech Association, which publicly lamented the “climate of suspicion” that is propelled by groups such as the “Volunteer Reapers”, according to news reports.
Biotechnology brings so many benefits to medicine and science. As the population increases, there is a vital need to find new methods to feed and especially produce new medicines to treat individuals with grave illnesses and conditions. Plant-made pharmaceuticals are one answer to address this need for new treatments. It’s a shame that some organizations have to resort to damaging these promising methods because of misinformation and fear. I hope that these scientists and researchers will push forward and continue their efforts to produce new medical treatments. Their efforts are greatly needed.
