STAT+: Regeneron seeks to revamp the controversial relationships between pharma and patient charities
Regeneron is hoping a new program will widen patient access to its eye drug without also benefiting the company's rivals — a point of concern for investors.
In a bid to rework the controversial relationship between drugmakers and patient charities, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals has announced a new program in which it will match up to $200 million in donations this year to a leading foundation called Good Days.
The move comes after Regeneron several months ago slashed its funding to the charity, an unexpected step that appeared largely designed to blunt the use of eye medicines sold by rivals, but one that has reduced patient access and, in turn, sparked concern among investors and physicians.
Indeed, that decision has slowed the company’s revenue growth and has prompted some ophthalmologists to complain their patients have been losing access to needed treatments. The American Society of Retinal Specialists, for instance, issued patient bulletins and held online sessions for doctors seeking to help patients afford injectable medicines to combat macular degeneration and other eye diseases.
