Staph Genome

As reported in “Biotech Battlefield: Profits vs. Public” (Feb. 21), a number of critics lambasted biotech companies for not taking the high road when it comes to public health. Unfortunately, the high road they wish such companies to take is a dead-end road.

Simply put, almost all biotech companies could not survive without funds from stock investors. Many investors invest in biotech companies solely based on the expectation that in the long term research will lead to major medical/health breakthroughs. Investors investing in these companies know that if all goes well they will help to finance said breakthroughs and will have a financial gain as well. Unquestionably, such investments represent more of a contribution to the welfare of the public than to less-risky enterprises such as Disney, et al.

BARRY M. DANK

Long Beach

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Our government spent all of $4.4 million last year on staph infection research that affects 500,000 people in the U.S. and is resistant in one-third of the present cases. Scud missiles cost our government $1 million each. Couldn’t we afford at least nine or 10 Scud missiles’ worth of research for this deadly disease? After all, who are we trying to kill and who are we trying to save?

GARY MALLETTE

Hermosa Beach