Medicine: Drug Deficiency

The vast U.S. black market in meat has cut deep into stocks of insulin, adrenaline, liver concentrates, pituitary extracts and other vital drugs. Obvious reason: the behind-the-barn slaughterers throw away the organs and glands normally sold by regular packers to drug makers. Sample results: 1) a Schering Corp. agent combed Armour, Swift, Cudahy and Wilson for 200 lbs. of sheep pituitary, found just 22 lbs.; 2) American Home Products Corp., needing 1,000 lbs. of pancreas monthly, has been able to buy only 700 lbs. all year. Shortages are just short of dangerous.