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RPS concerned about potential Vectura takeover

RPS has written to Lord Bethell, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Innovation, to express ethical concerns about the proposed takeover of Vectura.

Tobacco company Philip Morris International could acquire Vectura, a UK company which makes products used in the treatment of asthma, COPD and other respiratory diseases.

Tobacco companies should not profit from the illnesses their products cause, and if this takeover were allowed to proceed, it would send all the wrong signals for the kind of health and research community the UK seeks to promote.

RPS President Claire Anderson said: “We are deeply concerned about the proposed takeover of Vectura by Philip Morris International.

“This takeover not only raises ethical concerns that a company whose tobacco products harm the public may later profit from providing a treatment, but also creates an ethical dilemma for healthcare professionals.

“We strongly urge the Government to oppose this takeover to protect the public and healthcare professionals.”

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