Genentech Resolves Its Avastin-Lucentis-Macular Degeneration Controversy
The New York Times reported today that Genentech resolved a dispute with ophthalmologists that will allow its cancer drug Avastin to continue to be used to treat macular degeneration. As you may recall, the dispute began in October when the Company announced that it would change the distribution of Avastin which would have made it difficult to use the drug. Many ophthalmologists felt that the policy change was an attempt to force them to used Genentech’s newly approved macular degeneration drug Lucentis which has the same mechanism of action but is much more expensive than Avastin. Although Avastin is not approved to treat macular degeneration, many ophthalmologists use it as an off-label alternative to the more costly Lucentis.
According to the agreement, Genentech will sell Avastin directly to ophthalmologists rather than to compounding pharmacies as it previously had (Avastin which was meant as a cancer treatment must be divided into tiny portions for use in the eye under sterile conditions). Physicians who purchase Avastin will have to send it to compounding pharmacies at their own expense to prepare it for patient use. However, the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Society of Retina Specialists cautioned that some states might have regulations that would make it difficult to use the new arrangement.
I guess Genentech wanted to spread some “good cheer” before the holidays.
Until next time….
Good Luck and Good Job Hunting!!!!!!!!!
