Hospitals say Roche supply chain move is affecting patient care

Hospitals continue to pressure Roche's ($RHHBY) Genentech to stop using specialty distributors for some of its cancer meds. The latest move is a survey in which not only do respondents claim the change is costing them money, but more than a quarter said it is delaying patient care, The Wall Street Journal blog Pharmalot reports. Genentech last fall said it was changing the distribution of Herceptin, MabThera/Rituxan and Avastin to keep to a tighter control on the sensitive cold-chain meds. It was already using the specialty distributors, which charge higher prices, for some of its newer cancer drugs. A number of hospital groups have already protested to Roche over the cost and inconvenience. Report | More