Patients Fear Their Rapport With Genentech Is in Danger

Right now according to the Wall Street Journal, patients who have enjoyed an open relationship are worried that this could all change under management from Roche. Is bigger always better? Recently in the news Genentech is not happy with the offer and may hold out for more. Anyone that has worked anywhere when mergers and buyouts take place know that everything does not stay the same, but what does and what does not, nobody knows. BD

While Roche Holding AG's recent bid for Genentech Inc. cheered investors, it had a more chilling effect on the patient advocates who have developed unusually close ties to the pioneering biotechnology company. Despite contentious battles over the price of the cancer drugs it has developed over the past three decades, Genentech has invited activists to confer on clinical-trial planning, peek at early study data, and sit in on meetings about manufacturing and pricing strategy.

Arthur Levinson, the company's chief executive officer, and other top managers regularly host meetings and lunches with patient groups. Indeed, just days after the Swiss pharmaceutical giant's takeover offer, an advocacy group for colon-cancer patients gathered for a meeting inside the walls of Genentech's South San Francisco campus.

Patients Fear Their Rapport With Genentech Is in Danger - WSJ.com