A congressional lawmaker is investigating the role that a former Gilead Sciences (GILD) lobbyist played in the Trump administration and its efforts to develop a payment model for a pricey new Novartis cancer drug.
The focus of the inquiry is Joseph Grogan, who joined the Trump administration in early 2017 as associate director of health programs at the Office of Management and Budget, where he was working on a “pay-for-performance” program for the Novartis (NVS) drug, called Kymriah.
Known as a CAR-T therapy, the drug was approved last year to treat children with an aggressive form of childhood leukemia. But excitement over its potential was tempered by the $475,000 price tag, and the company has been working with private insurers and the federal government on payment models.
This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers
Unlock this article — plus in-depth analysis, newsletters, premium events, and networking platform access.
Already have an account? Log in
Already have an account? Log in
About the Author Reprints
To submit a correction request, please visit our Contact Us page.
STAT encourages you to share your voice. We welcome your commentary, criticism, and expertise on our subscriber-only platform, STAT+ Connect