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

Read the full article – start your free trial today!

Join thousands of industry professionals who rely on Generics Bulletin for daily insights

  • Start your 7-day free trial
  • Explore trusted news, analysis, and insights
  • Access comprehensive global coverage
  • Enjoy instant access – no credit card required
Start Free Trial

Already a subscriber?

More from Biosimilars

More from Products