Novartis CEO Still ‘Optimistic’ About ThromboGenics Drug

Novartis AG Chief Executive Officer Joe Jimenez said he remains optimistic about Belgian partner ThromboGenics NV’s eye medicine even after slower-than-expected sales of the drug.

“Eye care is a growth area for the next 10 years,” Jimenez said in a phone interview today, declining to comment on whether Novartis may bid for ThromboGenics, which said in February it’s studying strategic options. Sales of the product outside the U.S. through last year were “slightly” below expectations, “but you look at the efficacy of the drug and it’s very significant.”