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In anticipation of 2012, assuming Pfizer/Wyeth has no intent to re-apply using an equally pathetic argument to extend the Premarin® patent, there will finally be some free enterprise (in theory) for other drug companies in addition to an appreciable decrease in the number of mares and foals who suffer at the hands of the PMU industry. Why use CEEs when other effective non-animal derived products are available.
The End of an Era for PMU Farming?
Just when a glimmer of hope for the mares and foals of the PMU industry emerges, disturbing news trickles in from a pro-horse slaughter source. An article from The Western Producer entitled “Horse sense requires tough decisions” delivers an ominous message.
“At the same time, Wyeth has ramped up production of PMU facilities in China, Kazakistan and Poland, out of the scrutiny of North American values. The byproduct of meat foals has a lucrative market, while Wyeth can continue to make statements relating to supply and demand to justify price of HRT.” (http://new.producer.com/News/Article.aspx?aid=20988)
This clearly solves the deceptive ambiguity of the relationship between the reduction in Canadian PMU facilities and Wyeth’s sales projections for both Premarin® and Aprela®. Solid evidence of foul play and sadly now the “Writing is on the Stall”. Perhaps it was premature and unreasonable to imagine that Pfizer would give up such a lucrative business.
Now more than ever, as the industry slowly fades in North America, we see that it will not simply go away. And this in the face of the consensus within the scientific community that there is underlying apprehension that neither plant nor animal derived estrogen therapy is truly a safe option for the relief of menopausal symptoms. Both have potential to stimulate cell proliferation, a precursor to cancer, simply because they deliver estrogen to hormone-sensitive tissues.
Clearly, we must continue to crusade vigilantly against Pfizer/Wyeth and their despicable lack of empathy for both humans and animals alike.
© Int’l Fund for Horses
