Genentech takes a step back from the dark side, delays Avastin restrictions
(UPDATED: See below.)
Almost two weeks ago, Genentech angered doctors and elderly patients when it announced plans to restrict access to Avastin, a cancer drug that doubles as an unapproved, but quite inexpensive, treatment for eye disease. In those conditions, which can lead to encroaching blindness when left untreated, Avastin competes with a much more costly Genentech drug called Lucentis. (For background and our take on the situation, click here.)
Now the giant biotech appears to be taking… Continue Reading
The temptation of the dark side: Genentech, Avastin and macular degeneration
(UPDATED: See below.)
Committing your biotechnology giant to “the best interests of patients [and] the medical profession,” as Genentech CEO Arthur Levinson does on its his company’s Web page, is certainly a fine sentiment. When you subsequently decide to restrict use of a drug used by many elderly individuals to ward off encroaching blindness, however, you probably shouldn’t be surprised if people begin wondering whether that commitment is anything more than an empty slogan.
Restricting access to such… Continue Reading