Italy Seeks $1.6 Billion Over Roche, Novartis Eye Drugs
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Italy is seeking 1.2 billion euros ($1.6 billion) in damages from Roche Holding AG and Novartis AG over allegations the two drugmakers colluded to direct patients with an eye disorder to a more expensive medicine.
Roche and Novartis agreed to restrict competition in eye-drug sales, the Italian Health Ministry said in a statement last night, citing a February decision by the national antitrust regulator. That resulted in damages to the Italian health system of 45 million euros in 2012, 540 million euros last year and 615 million euros this year, the ministry said.