Genentech, Novartis, Roche ophthalmic news

Novartis declined to comment on a Reuters story that said prosecutors in Rome have opened an investigation into four executives at Novartis and Roche on suspicion of "fraud and manipulation of the pharmaceutical market." Roche could not be reached in time for publication. Earlier this month, the Italian Competition Authority fined Novartis €92 million ($127.8 million) and Roche €90.5 million ($125.8 million) after investigating alleged anti-competitive practices between Novartis and Roche regarding the sale of Lucentis ranibizumab and Avastin bevacizumab in Italy. The Italian Competition Authority said the pharmas presented Avastin as being riskier than Lucentis to influence doctors to prescribe the more expensive Lucentis. ...