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Novartis Payments For Kymriah Treatment Logistics Avoid Kickback Concerns

 
• By Cathy Kelly

US HHS Office of Inspector General clears company program to provide travel expenses and lodging to needy patients located far from designated treatment centers.

Gene Therapy for Cancer Treatment Concept Cancer therapy with T-cell and pipette and vials - Image
Patient Assistance Justified By Treatment Location Restrictions

Novartis AG’s program to help needy patients or those living in rural areas pay for travel and lodging costs associated with administration of its Kymriah will not incur penalties or sanctions under the US federal anti-kickback statute, the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General has concluded.

“Although the arrangement could potentially generate prohibited remuneration under the anti-kickback statute if the requisite intent to induce or reward referrals of federal health care program business were present, the OIG will not impose administrative sanctions…in connection with the arrangement,” says an

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