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Senator Criticizes Genentech’s Limits on a Cheaper Drug

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/29/business/29eye.html?ex=1353992400&en=370e9bd117d598e1&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss

By BLOOMBERG NEWS
Published: November 29, 2007
Genentech’s plan to restrict the availability of Avastin so doctors cannot use it instead of a more expensive medicine for eye disease will cost taxpayers $1 billion to $3 billion a year, according to Senator Herb Kohl.

Senator Kohl, Democrat of Wisconsin, said in letters to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the Food and Drug Administration that Genentech’s decision to limit access to the medicine by pharmacies that repackage drugs “is of great concern.”

He also sent the company a letter saying that his staff would investigate the restrictions.

The company, based in South San Francisco, wants specialists to buy its newer treatment, Lucentis, instead of Avastin.