High-ranking Senate Democrats are pressuring the head of Novartis for information on the pharmaceutical giant’s consulting contract with President Trump’s former attorney Michael Cohen.
Novartis revealed earlier this week that it paid Cohen $1.2 million through shell company Essential Consultants for healthcare advisory services in early 2017. While similar arrangements are common in Washington, Cohen’s scrutiny by special counsel Robert Mueller and his lack of healthcare experience prompted immediate criticism.
“The Senate Finance Committee has a duty to ensure that pharmaceutical companies providing services to federal health programs are conducting business in a legal and transparent manner,” Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., the panel’s top Demcorat, wrote in a letter to Novartis Chief Executive Officer Vasant Narsimhan.
Wyden asked the company to turn over any contracts outlining the work between Novartis and Cohen, further details on the payments made to Cohen and details on how the contract was approved within the company. He requested all internal and external communication regarding the arrangement between Cohen and the pharmaceutical manufacturer, as well as between Novartis and the White House, the Office of Management and Budget and other government agencies.
The drugmaker has also drawn the attention of Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., the top Democrat on the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee.
“It’s important that people have the transparency they need to hold their government accountable, and that must include transparency about how money is spent in efforts to gain attention and favor from public officials,” Murray wrote in a letter sent Friday.
Like Wyden, she seeks any contracts and communications related to the arrangement between Novartis and Cohen.
