6) Contribute to the Improvement of the
     Health of Canadians

By providing the conditions for efficient access to genetic resources, ABS policy offers the opportunity to promote the discovery of new bio-active compounds that contribute to the health of Canadians. For example, a drug developed by ABS pioneer Shaman Pharmaceuticals, is now being brought to final round of clinical trials. This drug may have a large impact on infant mortality in the developing world as it prevents diarrhoea through a new biological mechanism that avoids the side effects of current medicines 11. In a broader sense, the potential use of biological processes instead of petroleum products or high energy chemical ones will reduce our industry's environmental footprint, leading to a healthier environment for Canadians.

11Philipkoski, Kristen. (July 11, 2005). A Drug to Eradicate Diarrhea. See:
http://www.wired.com/news/medtech/0,1286,68145,00.html
accessed July 18, 2005.