Novartis Battens Down Hatches Over Falsified Zolgensma Data

The Swiss major believes it responded in a timely fashion to data manipulation issues associated with its closely watched gene therapy but CEO Vas Narasimhan's bid to rebuild trust with society has taken a hit.

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Novartis defends its actions over Zolgensma data probe • Source: Shutterstock

Accused of concealing manipulated data from the US Food and Drug Administration while applying for approval of its spinal muscular atrophy drug Zolgensma Novartis AG has moved quickly to vigorously defend the safety and efficacy of its expensive gene therapy treatment and its own corporate reputation.

Observers were stunned on 6 August by an FDA statement highlighting an investigation into data manipulation issues associated with the...

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