BioCentury
ARTICLE | Company News

Genentech, Novartis, Roche ophthalmic news

April 21, 2014 7:00 AM UTC

Roche and Novartis confirmed French authorities began an investigation relating to Lucentis ranibizumab and Avastin bevacizumab. The French Competition Authority said in a statement that it raided companies suspected of anticompetitive practices in marketing wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) drugs. Roche and Novartis said they are cooperating with the authorities but did not disclose specific next steps. Last month, the Italian Competition Authority fined Novartis €92 million ($127.8 million) and Roche €90.5 million ($125.8 million) after investigating alleged anticompetitive practices between the pharmas regarding the sale of Lucentis and Avastin (see BioCentury, March 17). ...