Pharmaceutical company implicated in childrens' deaths

Here's a story that sounds like it came right out of the movie "The Constant Gardener," (a movie which I highly recommend). If this case has made it to the point of actually being filed and CNN (a pretty conservative news company) is actually carrying the story, it's a safe bet that Pfizer is responsible for a lot more than what they're being charged with.



http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/africa/07/20/nigeria.drugs.ap/index.html In short, Pfizer may be responsible for the deaths of at least 11 children and the severe injury of other children in Africa who were being used to test an experimental antibiotic. Pfizer, of course, denied wrong-doing but would not comment.


Does anyone think it's a bit barbaric and immoral that Western pharmaceutical companies, or any pharmaceutical company for that matter, are testing experimental drugs on people, let alone children, in Africa? If this took place in the U.S., Americans would be screaming for justice, Pfizer's stock would be plummeting, and Pfizer would be on the verge of going out of business. But because it's happening in Africa, the story isn't even being carried by the majority of American news media.


Hit them where it counts. If you currently take a drug made by Pfizer ask your physician if you can take something different. Then write to Pfizer to let them know exactly why you stopped using their product. Also write to your congress-person. Tell them about the case and that you are concerned about American companies who not only conduct dangerous experiments on children but who also are responsible for the deaths of millions of people in developing countries by denying them affordable, life-saving medications and less-expensive generic medications.