Avastin Not Effective against Breast Cancer: FDA

FDA: Avastin is Not Effective Against Breast Cancer, Has Dangerous Side Effects

In a major blow for Roche, the FDA has ruled that Avastin is not an effective breast cancer drug. It was determined that Avastin does not extend the life of breast cancer patients, nor does it improve quality of life.

• FDA: Hearing on Withdrawing Approval for Avastin
  

The Food and Drug Administration said that Avastin (the brand name for bevacizumab) had dangerous side effects that were not mitigated by any tangible benefits. This ruling does not make Avastin illegal, but would scare insurance providers away from covering it. In the US, that would make Avastin effectively out of reach, as treatment with the drug carries a $100,000 price tag.

The FDA voted 6-0 in favor of withdrawing approval for Avastin; this was the second hearing on the subject.