Novartis Hit by Scandal Over Japanese Drug Studies
Probes Uncover Altered Research Data; Swiss Giant Stands by Heart Medicine Diovan
TOKYO—Swiss drug giant Novartis faces a mounting problem in Japan, its second-largest market, where researchers have retracted studies that touted the benefits of the company's most popular medicine.
Two university-led investigations into Novartis-related research discovered data had been altered to produce inaccurate results. Novartis denies involvement in the alleged research distortions, and stands by the efficacy of its blockbuster heart medicine Diovan.
At least eight Japanese hospitals have said they will stop prescribing the medication in the wake of the controversy. "It's morally problematic to keep using a drug that's faced questions on effects that have been its feature," one Tokyo hospital director wrote in a public statement.
Probes Uncover Altered Research Data; Swiss Giant Stands by Heart Medicine Diovan
TOKYO—Swiss drug giant Novartis faces a mounting problem in Japan, its second-largest market, where researchers have retracted studies that touted the benefits of the company's most popular medicine.
Two university-led investigations into Novartis-related research discovered data had been altered to produce inaccurate results. Novartis denies involvement in the alleged research distortions, and stands by the efficacy of its blockbuster heart medicine Diovan.
At least eight Japanese hospitals have said they will stop prescribing the medication in the wake of the controversy. "It's morally problematic to keep using a drug that's faced questions on effects that have been its feature," one Tokyo hospital director wrote in a public statement.