AVASTIN
Avastin (bevacizumab) is a vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitor indicated for the treatment of several advanced and metastatic malignancies, typically administered in combination with chemotherapy or other systemic therapies. Its therapeutic role spans multiple solid tumors, including metastatic colorectal cancer, non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer, and recurrent glioblastoma. The drug is also approved for specific presentations of renal cell carcinoma, cervical cancer, ovarian cancers, and hepatocellular carcinoma. It is important to note that Avastin is not indicated for the adjuvant treatment of colon cancer.
How AVASTIN Works
Bevacizumab functions by binding to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which prevents it from interacting with its receptors on the surface of endothelial cells. By blocking this interaction, the drug inhibits the proliferation of endothelial cells and the formation of new blood vessels, a process known as angiogenesis. This reduction in microvascular growth helps to inhibit the progression of metastatic disease.
Details
- Status
- Prescription
- First Approved
- 2004-02-26
- Routes
- INTRAVENOUS
- Dosage Forms
- VIAL
AVASTIN Approval History
What AVASTIN Treats
7 indicationsAVASTIN is approved for 7 conditions since its original approval in 2004. These indications span multiple therapeutic areas including oncology, immunology, and more.
- Metastatic colorectal cancer
- Unresectable, locally advanced, recurrent or metastatic non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer
- Recurrent glioblastoma
- Metastatic renal cell carcinoma
- Persistent, recurrent, or metastatic cervical cancer
- Epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer
- Unresectable or metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma
AVASTIN Target & Pathway
ProTarget
A signaling protein that stimulates the formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis). Tumors need blood supply to grow, so they secrete VEGF to create new vessels. Blocking VEGF starves tumors of oxygen and nutrients, inhibiting their growth.
Pathway Context
VEGF binds to VEGFR on blood vessel cells to stimulate new vessel formation
Receptors on blood vessel cells that respond to VEGF signals to form new blood vessels. Cancer cells exploit this pathway to ensure blood supply for tumor growth. Blocking VEGFRs prevents tumor angiogenesis and limits cancer progression.
AVASTIN Biosimilars
6 FDA-approvedThese 6 alternatives require prescriber approval to substitute for AVASTIN.
What are biosimilars? Lower-cost alternatives to AVASTIN with no clinically meaningful differences.
Auto-substitute OK = FDA "interchangeable" designation — pharmacist can switch without calling the doctor.
AVASTIN Competitors
Pro5 other drugs also target VEGF. Compare mechanisms, indications, and trial activity.
Competitors share the same molecular target (VEGF). Earlier expiry dates signal biosimilar/generic opportunities.
Drugs Similar to AVASTIN
FDA-approved drugs for similar conditions. Compare mechanisms and indications to understand treatment alternatives.
Active Pipeline
Ongoing clinical trials by development phase
Key Completed Trials
Completed studies with published results, ranked by significance
Trial Timeline
Full development history with FDA approval milestones
Understanding FDA Approval Types
| Count | Type | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| - | ORIG | Original approval - drug first enters market |
| - | SUPPL - Efficacy | New indication (new disease/condition approved) |
| - | SUPPL - Labeling | Label text changes (warnings, dosing updates) |
| - | SUPPL - Manufacturing | Production changes (new facility) |
| - | SUPPL - Chemistry | Formulation changes (new dosage strength) |
Green lines in the timeline show ORIG and Efficacy approvals - the clinically meaningful milestones.
AVASTIN FDA Label Details
ProIndications & Usage
FDA Label (PDF)Avastin is a vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitor indicated for the treatment of: Metastatic colorectal cancer, in combination with intravenous fluorouracil-based chemotherapy for first- or second-line treatment. Metastatic colorectal cancer, in combination with fluoropyrimidine-irinotecan- or fluoropyrimidine-oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy for second-line treatment in patients who have progressed on a first-line bevacizumab product-containing regimen. Limitations of Use : Avastin is not indicated for adjuvant treatment of colon cancer. Unresectable, locally advanced, recurrent or meta...
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Data Sources
Data sourced from official FDA and NIH databases. Click links to verify on original sources.