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Home > Drug News > International Academy Denounces Vandalism Against Crops to Treat Disease
International Academy Denounces Vandalism Against Crops to Treat Disease
Biopharming crops could help treat cystic fibrosis.
(PRWEB via PR Web Direct) October 20, 2005 -- The International Academy of Life Sciences has denounced attacks on crops being grown in France to potentially treat cystic fibrosis and other diseases and called for the continuation of research into these potentially life-saving technologies.
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 leader in the plant-made pharmaceuticals industry. The crops were reportedly intended to produce anti-cancer antibodies as well as proteins that would hopefully ease the effects of cystic fibrosis, a disease that causes chronic respiratory and digestive problems and is the most common genetic disease among people of European ancestry.
“Apparently Inspired by a misinformed fear of this progressive technology, these groups may have damaged the hopes that those suffering grave illnesses have of one day finding a treatment that will allow them to lead a normal life,” said IALS President Dr. Hilmar Stolte. “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.”
The attack met with opposition from the group Defeating Cystic Fibrosis, as well as the French Biotech Association, which publicly lamented the “climate of suspicion” that is propelled by groups like the Volunteer Reapers. Philippe Pouletty, the president of the biotech association said, "The distance between the United States and Europe in biotechnology continues to grow …In 2004, European investments in biotechnology made up only 17 percent. Although this is not the main factor for our current problems, the political context significantly contributes to it."
Stolte, meanwhile, called for a continuation of the work to develop biopharm crops and continuing dialogue to further public understanding of the opportunities the technology offers.
“It is imperative that the public is informed about plant-made pharmaceuticals,” he said. “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.”
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