17 July 2003
Scotland based PPL Therapeutics announced on 18 June that research into the development of a treatment for lung ailments (AAT) was to be put on hold as a result of a major partner, German drug giant Bayer, suspending development of this treatment.
As a result of this announcement questions have been asked about what will happen to PPL (New Zealand) Limited's 4000 strong flock of AAT-producing transgenic sheep.
PPL (New Zealand) Limited received approval from the Environmental Risk Management Authority in 1999 to develop the flock of transgenic sheep subject to rigorous controls. The sheep are maintained on a farm at Whakamaru just outside of Rotorua and are well monitored and securely contained.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) and ERMA New Zealand have been working together to ensure that a watching brief is kept over developments at PPL New Zealand Ltd. MAF Inspectors routinely inspect the containment facility and the sheep on a three monthly basis, however arrangements have been put in place for the frequency of these visits to be increased to a weekly basis.
ERMA New Zealand has been informed that PPL Therapeutics is undertaking a managed reduction of their flock, particularly through reducing the number of older sheep and that this will be done in accordance with controls on the approval.
“PPL Therapeutic has a good compliance history, and it continues to comply with the controls placed on the approval that ensure that the genetically modified sheep are properly contained”, said Bas Walker, Chief Executive of ERMA New Zealand. “We have a good relationship with PPL and are maintaining close contact with them as events unfold both in New Zealand and in the UK.”
For further information please contact:
Julie Watson,
Communications.
Mob: +64 21 674 954.
Telephone +64 4 918 4826.
Facsimile +64 4 914 0433.
Email: info@ermanz.govt.nz