From an article that reads like it could've been written at Pfizer Marketing HQ comes the notion that Viagra is the savior of endangered wildlife. Hah!
The use of Viagra may be benefiting some endangered species. The suggestion comes from a survey showing that traditional Chinese-medicine users are switching from medicines based on animal products to 'the little blue pill' to treat erectile dysfunction.
A recent survey shows that the western treatment for this sexual problem seems to be replacing more traditional medicines, including potions made from seal penises and reindeer antler velvet. This could be having a knock-on effect on the welfare of those animals, scientists say. However, conservationists largely remain unconvinced.
No! Really?? I wonder why. Let's stop pretending Pfizer gives a ringding about antler fuzz, first of all. Secondly, let's stop pretending that this is not the work of the Pfizer Marketing HQ. Thirdly, the gentlemen who can afford ground Rhino horn are few(-ish) -- that market's not bursting at the edges clamoring for ever more Rhino horns to grind. Plus, it's illegal to kill protected animals now. There are heavy prescriptions (unintended pun) against this sort of thing. Then there's Viagra -- legal, veneer of the West, "medically sound," readily available. Pfizer's made its gamble, and it's not on seal penises: One billion Chinese customers can't be wrong.
And how many millions of animals does the U.S. kill in drug research?
Posted by: Diane | Saturday, 15 October 2005 at 10:30 AM
Good point! I can't believe I missed that, Diane. I was sputtering too much at the absurdity of the article to think clearly, obviously.
Posted by: ae | Saturday, 15 October 2005 at 11:24 AM
PrOscription: There are heavy proscriptions against ... .
Posted by: Jim Liebert | Saturday, 12 May 2007 at 10:25 PM