GLP podcast and video: Golden Rice hits another roadblock; Glyphosate protects endangered species; Growing medicine in GMO crops

The Philippines recently approved the cultivation of Golden Rice to prevent blindness and death caused by vitamin A deficiency (VAD). A supreme court ruling has temporarily halted the crop’s release. The weedkiller glyphosate is often maligned as an environmental hazard. In reality, the chemical helps control invasive weeds, protecting endangered plants and animals. Biopharming, growing medicines in plants, could lower the costs of and increase access to important drugs. But regulation may prevent us from taking full advantage of this technology.

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Join guest host Dr. Liza Dunn and GLP contributor Cameron English on episode 216 of Science Facts and Fallacies as they break down these latest news stories:

• Farmers in the Philippines blocked from commercially releasing GMO Golden Rice and eggplant by 10-day Supreme Court ruling

After decades of research, development and regulatory hurdles, the Philippines finally approved Golden Rice (GR) for commercial cultivation, which is poised to dramatically expand access to vitamin A in the country. Unfortunately, the supreme court stepped in and blocked the approval by food safety officials, declaring that GR may pose a potential environmental hazard. Did the court have sound scientific reasons to justify its decision? No.

• Viewpoint: Without glyphosate, critical wetlands and wildlife could be strangled by invasive plants

Many environmental activist groups allege that glyphosate, the active ingredient in Bayer’s Roundup weedkiller, is a threat to plants and animals that may be inadvertently exposed to the chemical. In reality, glyphosate is a low-toxic chemistry that helps control invasive weed species. These unwieldy weeds threaten a variety of plants and animals, including some endangered species. In other words, groups that exist to protect the environment are standing in the way of protecting the environment.

• Biopharming can help pioneer new treatments but cumbersome, outdated regulations block innovation

Most drugs we utilize today are developed in laboratories and mass produced in giant manufacturing facilities. That could change in the coming years as more pharma companies turn their attention to biopharming, the process of growing active ingredients for medicine in crop plants. Biopharing could enhance the efficiency of drug production, reducing consumer prices and thereby expanding access to important and life-saving medications. Will excessive regulation stifle this innovation before it gets off the ground?

Cameron J. English is the director of bio-sciences at the American Council on Science and Health. Visit his website and follow him on Twitter @camjenglish