BBC News - Drug 'aids albino people's sight'
White hair and pale eyes and skin are the hallmarks of albinism
A drug which is already licensed for use could be used to treat sight problems in some albino people, say US researchers.People with albinism produce little or no melanin, which has a range of health consequences including poor sight and greater risk of skin cancer.
Writing in The Journal of Clinical Investigation, doctors said a drug increased melanin [...]
Full article at bbc.co.uk
I find it interesting that this was first developed as an herbicide, then in 1991 replaced liver transplant as first-line treatment for a rare condition, and is now discovered to be useful in this application. I wonder when the former patent expires?
That said, I hope it really is useful. Just 'cause I don't agree with pharmaceuticals in most applications, or with the practices of most pharmaceutical companies, doesn't mean I don't think pharma tech has it's place in modern human society.