JUST four years ago, Acomplia was hailed in the national press as a wonder sliming pill.

Now it has been withdrawn by the authorities because of a high risk of serious psychiatric disorders leading, in some cases, to suicide.

This catastrophe, once again, underlines the pointlessness of animal tests during drug development.

Acomplia was passed as safe on the basis of those tests even though the physiology and mental make-up of rats and dogs is completely different from people's. But even if rats did suffer Acomplia-induced anxiety, depression and suicidal feelings, how would the lab researchers know?

Animal Aid has just published a major critique of the drug industry, which includes an exposé of the use of animals and the industry's practice during the trialling and marketing of drugs. It is available free on request.

Kate Fowler-Reeves

Animal Aid, Tonbridge

(by email)