Ventria Bioscience Controversy

Ventria Bioscience and the Controversy over Plant-Made Medicines

Sharlene R. Sherman
Business and Society Dr. Shelley Taylor
November 27, 2011

Describe the problem facing Scott Deeter and Ventria.

In 2002, Scott Deeter was hired as CEO of Ventria to assist Dr. Raymond Rodriguez with a few

Projects. Ventria was unable to obtain the necessary permits to begin their commercial

production for the production of pharmaceutical proteins found in the seeds of rice. This

medicine was designed to lessen the severity of diarrhea in children. Many different

organizations were against them such as environmentalists, food safety activists, consumer

advocates, rice farmers and the California Secretary of Agriculture making
it difficult for Ventria

to plant their rice seeds.

Describe the relevant stakeholders and for each, state its interests and sources of power.

Scott Deeter, President and CEO of Ventria Bioscience; Dr. Raymond Rodriguez, founder and

biologist on the faculty of the University of California-Davis; Dr. William Rutter, investor and

founder and board chairman of the Emeryville, biotechnology firm Chiron; Board of directors,

leaders and seasoned entrepreneurs-they provided more than 85 percent of the company’s

financing.

Describe the options that might emerge from a dialogue between Ventria and its relevant stakeholders.

Describe how Ventria might go about influencing relevant regulators if it chooses to employ a political action strategy.

Describe what other options Ventria has if it chooses not to engage in dialogue or political action (or dialogue and political action are unsuccessful).

Recommend what Ventria should do now and explain why.