Avastin is the first treatment that inhibits angiogenesis - the growth of a network of blood vessels that supply nutrients and oxygen to cancerous tissues. Avastin targets a naturally occurring protein called Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), a key mediator of angiogenesis, thus choking off the blood supply that is essential for the growth of the tumour and its spread throughout the body (metastasis).
In Europe, Avastin was approved in early 2005 and in the US in February
2004 for first-line treatment of patients with advanced colorectal cancer. It received another approval in the US in June 2006 as a second-line treatment for patients with advanced colorectal cancer. The first filing for Avastin in
Japan occurred in April 2006 for the treatment of advanced colorectal cancer.
Most recently following priority review, the world's first angiogenesis inhibitor was approved by the FDA in October for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC); a filing for the same indication was submitted to EU authorities in August.
Roche and Genentech are pursuing a comprehensive clinical programme investigating the use of Avastin in various tumour types (including colorectal, breast, lung, pancreatic cancer, ovarian cancer, renal cell carcinoma and others) and different settings (advanced and adjuvant ie
post-operation). The total development programme is expected to include over 40,000 patients worldwide.
For more information, please visit www.avastin-info.com
About Roche
Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Roche is one of the world's leading research-focused healthcare groups in the fields of pharmaceuticals and diagnostics. As a supplier of innovative products and services for the early detection, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disease, the Group contributes on a broad range of fronts to improving people's health and quality of life. Roche is a world leader in diagnostics, the leading supplier of medicines for cancer and transplantation and a market leader in virology.
Roche employs roughly 70,000 people in 150 countries and has R&D agreements and strategic alliances with numerous partners, including majority ownership interests in Genentech and Chugai. Additional information about the Roche
Group is available on the Internet (www.roche.com).
All trademarks used or mentioned in this release are legally protected.
Further Information Available from Media Relations Contacts:
-- Colorectal cancer fact sheet
-- Xeloda in colorectal cancer fact sheet
-- Avastin in colorectal cancer fact sheet
-- Xeloda fact sheet
-- Avastin fact sheet
-- Roche in oncology:
www.roche.com/pages/downloads/company/pd...
-- Roche: www.roche.com
-- Broadcast quality B-roll including doctor, caregiver and patient interviews is available for download via www.thenewsmarket.com
References:
1. Boyle P, Ferlay J. Cancer incidence and mortality in Europe, 2004.
Annals of Oncology 2005;16:481-488
2. World Health Organization,
http://www.who.int/healthinfo/statistics...
For further information please contact: Julia Pipe, International Communications Manager, Xeloda, Tel: +41-61-687-4376, Email: julia.pipe@roche.com. Christine Mage-Hill, Senior International Communications Manager, Avastin, Tel: +41-79-788-8245, Email: christine.mage-hill@roche.com
