US Ophthalmology Association Warns Against Untested Avastin Alternatives

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

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...

More from Biosimilars

EMA Greenlights Give Eylea And Stelara Biosimilars Momentum Across Europe

 
• By 

The EMA’s Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use has issued positive opinions for multiple aflibercept and ustekinumab biosimilars, intensifying competition for Eylea and Stelara respectively in Europe. Meanwhile, a Biocon subsidiary also received a nod for a Neulasta biosimilar.

Medicines For Europe Sets Out Trade Priorities

 
• By 

As Medicines for Europe gears up for a pair of conferences in Brussels next week, the organization has set out trade policy recommendations to strengthen access to medicines and the competitiveness of EU manufacturing, in a seminar with representatives from the European Commission and member states.

Celltrion Reinforces Commitment To UK Biosimilars Market With New HQ

 
• By 

Celltrion has reinforced its commitment to the UK by opening a new central operations hub in Uxbridge, while acknowledging that “major questions over the attractiveness of the market” need to be addressed to encourage development and ensure a sustainable environment for UK biosimilars.

Pipeline And Parent: Meitheal CEO Shea Talks Paclitaxel And What’s Next

 
• By 

In an exclusive interview, Meitheal Pharmaceuticals CEO Tom Shea discusses the company’s oncology strategy following the recent launch of generic Abraxane, alongside discussion of complex injectables, the biosimilars pipeline, and how $300m in backing is fueling the company's next phase of growth.

More from Products

EMA Greenlights Give Eylea And Stelara Biosimilars Momentum Across Europe

 
• By 

The EMA’s Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use has issued positive opinions for multiple aflibercept and ustekinumab biosimilars, intensifying competition for Eylea and Stelara respectively in Europe. Meanwhile, a Biocon subsidiary also received a nod for a Neulasta biosimilar.

Accord And Sandoz Remain Frustrated As Dutch Xtandi Patent Is Latest To Hold Firm

 
• By 

In a further setback for generics manufacturers, the District Court of The Hague has upheld the validity of a key Xtandi (enzalutamide) patent and its Dutch supplementary protection certificate, rejecting Sandoz and Accord’s challenge based on lack of inventive step.

Medicines For Europe Sets Out Trade Priorities

 
• By 

As Medicines for Europe gears up for a pair of conferences in Brussels next week, the organization has set out trade policy recommendations to strengthen access to medicines and the competitiveness of EU manufacturing, in a seminar with representatives from the European Commission and member states.