Genentech takes a step back from the dark side, delays Avastin restrictions

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… Continue Reading

The temptation of the dark side: Genentech, Avastin and macular degeneration

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… Continue Reading