Stop Being Such A Tool

Are you a Big Pharma Mouthpiece?

You’ve likely heard this phrase before— “If you’re a hammer, everything looks like a nail.”

Another descriptive phrase that rose to prominence during my adolescence was the pejorative Tool.  This was generally a descriptive term for males consider to be foolish people.

An even more in-depth definition was: “Tool is a slang term that refers to an insecure person, usually male, who is controlled by others.”

Ever heard of the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD)? Somewhat ironically, it was founded in 1938—the same year the Food Drug & Cosmetics Act was first passed. This was land-mark legislation that was a vast improvement over the previous protections afforded consumers from the 1906 laws.

According to their website, the AAD has more than 20,000 member physicians around the world. They have licensing programs, practice management programs, publication support, and countless other advocacy initiatives under the umbrella of Dermatology.

To quote the description from their website “About The Academy” …

Did you hear that?  “Advancing the Diagnosis and Medical, Surgical, and Cosmetic treatment of skin, hair, and nails.”

I don’t see anywhere that it talks about NATURAL treatment of skin? Don’t see anything advocating for proper diet and lifestyle to promote optimal skin?

Did I miss something?  Did you miss something?

Oh, I see what we’re missing…. the money!

1

Here are the PINNACLE Corporate Partners of the AAD (over $750,000 in support):

AbbVie: Global Pharma
Boehringer Ingleheim: Global Pharma
Bristol Myers Squibb: Global Pharma
Janssen (now Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine): Global Pharma
Johnson & Johnson Consumer Health (now Kenvue): Drugs, Skin & Mouthwash Global Company
Pfizer: Totally trust the science of this Global Pharma
Sanofi: Global Pharma

2

Here are the SAPPHIRE Corporate Partners ($250,000-$499,999 in support)

Incyte: Global Pharma for Dermatology and Oncology
Novartis: Global Pharma

3

Here are the RUBY Corporate Partners ($100,000-$249,999 in support):

Almirall: Global Pharma with the tag line “feel the science” WTELF
Amgen: Global Pharma
Articus Biotherpeudics: Global Pharma treating Psoriasis.
Castle Biosciences: Global Disease Testing and Diagnostic Company
Leo-Pharma: Global Pharma for dermatology
Lilly: Global Pharma and Consumer Products
Ortho- Dermatologics: Global Pharma
UCB- Global Pharma and “Driven by Science” according to website.

4

Here are the EMERALD Corporate Partners ($25,000-$99,999 in support):

Allakos: Global Pharma
DermTech: Skin Cancer Testing Company
Galderma: Global Pharma and OTC Skincare
Hero: Global Skincare and Consumer Products
Kyowa Kirin: Global Pharma

Earlier, before we listed off over twenty pharmaceutical companies donating to the AAD, we reminded you what the definition of the pejorative “Tool” was…remember?

“Tool is a slang term that refers to an insecure person, usually male, who is controlled by others.”

Crazy question here–do you think these pharmaceutical companies have any influence over one of our oldest and most influential associations for skin health?

When you’re a drug company (hammer), everything starts to look like a nail (drugs will fix it). Combine this level of Corporate financial support with the fact that over 75% of the television ad spend in recent years has come from Big Pharma and you’ve got a winning formula to sell more products.

Did you know that over 95% of prescription skin creams are water-based? Did you know that these creams contain biome-disrupting compounds and preservatives that can alter your hormones?

Did you know that over 95% of prescription skin creams are water-based? Did you know that these creams contain biome-disrupting compounds and preservatives that can alter your hormones?

Could there be a better way? 

Or at least one less wrought with corporate interests?