|
 Novartis and Roche, which deny wrongdoing, said on Tuesday they had
so far only been verbally informed of the regional administrative
tribunal of Lazio's decision and would appeal the verdict.
The rejection of their appeal is a setback for the two Swiss
drugmakers which also face demands for more than a billion euros in
damages from the Italian health ministry over the alleged collusion.
In March, the Italian Competition Authority fined Novartis and Roche
182.5 million euros ($226 million) for colluding to try to impose
Novartis' Lucentis as a treatment for a serious eye disease instead
of Roche's cheaper Avastin.
In May, the Italian health ministry said it would seek 1.2 billion
euros in damages from the companies.
"Novartis firmly rejects the accusations of anti-competitive
practices and any allegations of anti-competitive behavior are
unfounded and without merit. We will take all necessary steps to
appeal this decision," the company said on Tuesday.
Roche also said it strongly disagreed with the court's decision. "We
reiterate that the charges are unfounded and will appeal the
verdict. There was no collusion with Novartis," it said.
[to top of second column] |
Roche spokeswoman Claudia Schmitt told Reuters the company had not
been contacted again by Italy's health ministry after receiving a
letter at the end of May announcing the ministry's intention to seek
damages.
(Reporting by Silke Koltrowitz; Editing by Pravin Char)
[© 2014 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.] Copyright 2014 Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
 |
