Genentech highlights positive findings from new Avastin study

Genentech has published results from a new clinical trial of its drug Avastin, which demonstrates the drug’s effectiveness in the treatment of ovarian cancer.

According to the findings of the phase III clinical study, patients trialled using a combination of Avastin and chemotherapy, followed by maintenance use of the drug, demonstrated better progression-free survival rates than those on chemotherapy alone.

This represents the first time an anti-angiogenic therapy for advanced ovarian cancer has met its primary endpoint in a phase III study.

Dr Hal Barron, executive vice president for global development and chief medical officer at Genentech, stated this could prove a potentially important step forward in the treatment of the illness.

He said: “Additional medicines are urgently needed for women with newly diagnosed advanced ovarian cancer, as most women’s cancer will worsen after their initial treatment.”

Earlier this month, the company received approval from the Food and Drug Administration for the use of its drug Rituxan in combination with chemotherapy for the treatment of leukaemia.