The Church of England stands to benefit by more than $3.3 million thanks to the worldwide success of the anti-impotence drug Viagra.
The value of the church's shares in Viagra's manufacturers, Pfizer, has increased by more than $3.3 million since last year. Pfizer shares have doubled in value as sales of Viagra exceeded all predictions since its launch in the U.S. earlier this year. U.S. doctors are writing 100,000 prescriptions a week, and Pfizer's annual income from the drug is expected to reach $1 billion by 2000.The Church of England's investment is held by the Church Commissioners, whose chief responsibility is managing investments to provide pay, pensions and housing for clergy. The commission says it sees nothing wrong in investing in a reputable company that is producing a revolutionary drug for a genuine medical problem.