The complexity to manufacture the growth hormone inhibiting peptide Sandostatin will ensure protection from competition, says Novartis. 2017 sales of the acromegaly peptide Sandostatin (octreotide) were down slightly on the previous year, but still brought in US$1.6 billion (€1.3 billion) for Swiss biopharma Novartis. During the firm’s recent first quarter financial call, board member Elizabeth Doherty told stakeholders that while the firm is always looking at potential risks from competition, “we know ourselves with our own experience how difficult it…