Dr. Stephen Blackwood is one of the directors of Caring for Carcinoid Foundation (CFCF). The board of directors is a well-connect list of people, including Patrick O'Hagan, who is "a leader in Bain’s Healthcare practice" with a vested interest in certain pharmaceutical companies, particularly on helping pharmaceutical clients meet their revenue goals. (This part is from this: http://www.bain.com/...)
Sandostatin has a variety of alternatives, including the generic form, octreotide. These generic forms are produced by six different pharmaceutical companies. Novartis is currently having difficulties marketing Sandostatin and has been under accusations of bribery in China for this particular drug. Doctors in China were bribed in order to increase use of this drug over generic forms Coverage of generic forms is required of all ACA plans. http://www.fiercepharma.com/...
O'Hagan for Bain Capital regarding Novartis:
http://www.bain.com/...
Novartis Oncology has donated money to Blackwood's foundation :
http://www.caringforcarcinoid.org/...
Sandostatin itself is used for the treatment of diarrhea associated with carcinoid syndrome, it does not treat carcinoid tumors themselves. http://www.us.sandostatin.com/...