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US Ophthalmology Association Warns Against Untested Avastin Alternatives

Discourages Using Pfizer’s Zirabev and Amgen’s Mvasi Biosimilars

 
• By Akriti Seth

The American Academy of Ophthalmology has criticized healthcare insurers for pushing bevacizumab biosimilar alternatives to Avastin, like Pfizer’s Zirabev and Amgen’s Mvasi, that have not been subjected to clinical trials in eye disease or testing for retinal toxicity.

Eyes
“We are against the use of drugs in the eye that have never been tested for ophthalmic diseases,” said the American Academy of Ophthalmology • Source: Alamy

US bevacizumab biosimilar rivals to Avastin have come under fire from a US association of eye physicians and surgeons over their use in ophthalmic indications, stemming from the off-label use of cancer treatment Avastin to treat eye disease.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology has written to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and the US Department of Health and Human Services, asking the departments to prohibit the policies for Medicare Advantage and exchange plans as insurance companies are “pushing

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Amgen Locked Out Of Canadian Eculizumab Market Until 2027

 
• By Dean Rudge

Rejecting Amgen’s challenges on the grounds of anticipation and obviousness, Canada’s Federal Court has issued an injunction against the biosimilars firm until patent expiry in March 2027.

‘We Can’t Keep Going On Like This’ – Biosimilars Forum’s Reed Calls For Urgent Changes In US

 
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Biocon Biologics Plans To Slow Down After Five Planned Near-Term Biosimilar Launches

 
• By Urtė Fultinavičiūtė

With a lineup of five high-value biosimilars in the wings, Biocon Biologics may be more selective going forward and plans to take a one product per year approach.

Cutting Out The Middlemen? Trump’s Pricing Order Offers Opportunity On PBMs

 
• By Dave Wallace

Donald Trump’s executive order on most-favored-nation prescription drug pricing could provide positive opportunities for the off-patent industry, although US generics and biosimilars association the AAM suggested that the administration might do more good by focusing elsewhere.

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‘We Can’t Keep Going On Like This’ – Biosimilars Forum’s Reed Calls For Urgent Changes In US

 
• By Dave Wallace

As the US biosimilars market moves into its second decade, urgent changes are needed at the FDA if biosimilars are to meet their full potential, according to Biosimilars Forum chief executive Julie Reed.

Biocon Biologics Plans To Slow Down After Five Planned Near-Term Biosimilar Launches

 
• By Urtė Fultinavičiūtė

With a lineup of five high-value biosimilars in the wings, Biocon Biologics may be more selective going forward and plans to take a one product per year approach.

Biocon Eyes Fundraising Round Amid Discussions On Merger With Biosimilars Branch

 
• By Urtė Fultinavičiūtė

As financial volatility continues in the industry, Biocon’s board is considering merging its two off-patent drug businesses.