FDA approves new use for Avastin

SILVER SPRING, Md. — The Food and Drug Administration announced approval of a new use for Avastin (bevacizumab), to treat patients with persistent, recurrent or late-stage cervical cancer. The drug works by interfering with blood vessels that fuel the development of cancerous cells.



“Avastin is the first drug approved for patients with late-stage cervical cancer since the 2006 approval of topotecan with cisplatin,” said Richard Pazdur, M.D., director of the Office of Hematology and Oncology Products in the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. “It is also the first biologic agent approved for patients with late-stage cervical cancer and was approved in less than four months under the FDA’s priority review program, demonstrating the agency’s commitment to making promising therapies available to patients faster.”



Avastin is marketed by Genentech, a member of the Roche Group.