Forget The Apology: Japan To Raid Novartis Offices Over Diovan Scandal

Japanese authorities plan to raid Novartis offices after a health ministry panel concluded that the drugmaker should be held responsible for using falsified research to market its Diovan heart medicine. An interim report, which is expected to be released next week, will also estimate the financial impact that the studies had on national health insurance finances, suggesting penalties may be levied. “The panel has been examining the possibility of exaggerated advertisements (for the drug), which is a violation of the Pharmaceutical Affairs Act, and will urge the government to take strict actions," against the Novartis unit in Japan, according to Shimbun Asahi, which adds "the health ministry plans to carry out an on-site investigation.” Several universities, where trials were run, are also expected to be held accountable. This explains why David Epstein, who heads Novartis Pharmaceuticals, met with Japanese officials and yesterday made a public apology. "We express our deep regret for the concern that the issue has brought to patients, to the medical society as well as the ministry," Epstein said after meeting with health minister Norihisa Tamura, Reuters writes. “We are very willing to work with them and take additional actions and potential sanctions in order to bring the issue to a good conclusion.” However, Epstein did not acknowledge a corporate role in generating the faulty data. A Novartis (NVS) spokesman writes us to say that "we are waiting for the MHLW to rel...
Source: Pharmalot - Category: Pharma Commentators Authors: Source Type: blogs