GIST News A Wave of Information By the LIFE RAFT GROUP

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October 2010

Breaking GIST News: Novartis suspends plasma testing support

Novartis Avantix logosWe have recently been advised that Novartis Pharmaceuticals will suspend its financial support of plasma level testing after receiving a letter from the FDA criticizing its promotion of such testing on its CML & GIST Alliance websites. In response, Novartis has closed both websites and advised Avantix Laboratory it was ending its contract for such testing effective September 30, 2010.

What next?

The Life Raft Group has since met with Dr. Lynyee Shum, Director of Avantix Laboratory (TDM Pharmaceutical Research) and Herve Hoppenot, President of Novartis Oncology to discuss our concerns about this decision. We will keep our readers advised


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2 Comments

  1. avatar Linda makes this comment

    Wednesday 1 December, 2010

    Hello everyone, any update from Novartis regarding its decision to suspend the Plasma Testing? Do we need to write letters, to whom? Any suggestion on the next course of action, please?
    Thank you

  2. avatar Linda makes this comment

    Tuesday 5 October, 2010

    Novartis suspension of the plasma testing is a very devastating news, at a time when all hands needs to be on board for a medical breaktrough for cancer diagnosis and treatment. The website was very informative, just another avenue to obtain relevant information. We understand Novartis has closed the website in question, that should be enough. The latest FDA decision is very counter productive, it's very abusive, and it calls in to question what others have accused the agency of its overbearing use of its power over drugs research, testing and approval. There needs to be a mounting presure and dialogue with the FDA to reverse this decision. When all hands are on deck to combat cancer, the breakthroughs we seek we happen!

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