Novartis' top lawyer leaves over Cohen contract

Felix Ehrat, Novartis' general counsel, is leaving the drugmaker after he played a major role in striking a $1.2 million consulting deal with Michael Cohen's company Essential Consultants, reports CNBC.

Why it matters: Novartis paid Cohen more money than any lobbyist in Washington lat year in an effort to learn about how President Trump would handle health care, but seemingly came away with little value for its cash.