Bringing in the Heavy Artillery
Posted by Osagie Obasogie October 10, 2008
Biopolitical Times
In the midst of heated campaigns regarding a Michigan state ballot measure on whether the state should allow researchers to derive embryonic stem cells from leftover IVF embryos, PhRMA seems to have entered the fray. The lobbying organization released a report late last month noting, “America’s pharmaceutical research and biotechnology companies – including several located in Michigan – are testing a record 633 new biotech medicines.”
Even though PhRMA has not made a habit out of taking positions on past state stem cell initiatives and has generally kept a distance from hESCR, it seems like they are trying to tip the scales in Michigan. Not only did PhRMA choose Detroit as the place to release the report, but they also made sure to include multiple Michigan specific quotes and references in the press release to frame biotechnology as a medical and possibly economic boon for the state.
On top of this, the Associate Press reports that former president Bill Clinton is scheduled to appear at a Michigan fundraiser to support Proposal 2. It will be interesting if these influential figures – and the dollars that follow them – will have an effect in November.
Even though PhRMA has not made a habit out of taking positions on past state stem cell initiatives and has generally kept a distance from hESCR, it seems like they are trying to tip the scales in Michigan. Not only did PhRMA choose Detroit as the place to release the report, but they also made sure to include multiple Michigan specific quotes and references in the press release to frame biotechnology as a medical and possibly economic boon for the state.
On top of this, the Associate Press reports that former president Bill Clinton is scheduled to appear at a Michigan fundraiser to support Proposal 2. It will be interesting if these influential figures – and the dollars that follow them – will have an effect in November.