FDA Approves Avastin for Breast Cancer, Despite Advisory Panel’s Recommendation

Approval of the angiogenesis inhibitor — granted by the FDA, despite an advisory committee voting against it — will make it more likely that the drug will be covered by health insurance. The New York Times notes that, as a breast cancer treatment, Avastin costs almost US$8000 monthly. The decision was controversial. The Associated Press reported that the approval came despite the drug’s failure to extend the lives of patients; instead, bevacizumab’s ability to slow tumor growth was key.

LINKS:

New York Times story (One-time registration required)

Associated Press story (Free)