I like to give people, groups and companies the benefit of the doubt. I got a news flash that Genetech will be restricting availability of Avastin (a blood vessel growth-limiter that slows blindness from macular degeneration). Lucentis will effectively become the only available treatment to the average "Joe" and their doctor. Avastin ($40/per treatment every few motnhs) versus Lucentis ($2000/per treatment) seems to have lost the clash of the greenbacks. I have always joked that effective medications often get pulled from the market more often than dangerous ones. The danger is mostly to the drug company's bottom line in this case. This is something that should become well-known to the general public. Doctors are the patients best source for compassionate decision-making. Accountants and executives at Genentech have made it clear where a patient should put their trust. Thank God for the great things Genentech has done. This ain't one of 'em!
If anyone wants to make the case that drug companies are "in it for the money" this would be difficult to impeach. The drug that costs 50 times more may be equally as effective but the patient and their physician should be able to discuss those risks and benefits without the conflicting economic hardship created through this decision by Genetech. Genentech's new byline ..."Blinded by the Cash!"
I hate to believe so much of what I hear about the sickening greed that comes out of this kind of activity. It is hard for me to deny the truth. Genetech sees profit as a more important driver than service to the health care consumer. Both can exist with good corporate governance. In Genentech's case they open themselves up to a PR nightmare.
