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Wednesday, February 21, 2007

Law - Even more on the cervical cancer vaccine issue

An editorial in the Washington Post on Feb. 11, and quoted in this ILB entry, titled "Profit and Public Health: A useful vaccine, and a tone-deaf lobbying campaign on its behalf," included this quote: "There is, though, something unseemly about a company that stands to make billions of dollars driving a debate that already is sensitive because it involves young girls, sex and parental rights. Merck's commercial interests unnecessarily muddy the waters and give critics ammunition with which to attack worthwhile legislation. * * * The best move Merck can now make is to back off. * * * Merck's help needlessly clouds the issue."

Today Merck did just that. A story in the NY Times Business section, headlined "Merck to Halt Lobbying for Vaccine for Girls," begins:

Reacting to a furor from some parents, advocacy groups and public health experts, Merck said yesterday that it would stop lobbying state legislatures to require the use of its new cervical cancer vaccine.

The company said it made the decision after realizing that its lobbying campaign had fueled objections across the country that could undermine adoption of the vaccine.

At least 20 states are considering making its use mandatory for schoolgirls, and the governor of Texas, Rick Perry, has already done so by executive order. Part of the states’ rush to embrace the vaccine has been instigated by Merck efforts that began before federal regulators approved the product last year.

For other ILB entries on the cervical cancer vaccine, check this list.

Posted by Marcia Oddi on February 21, 2007 06:20 PM
Posted to General Law Related