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Avastin (Genentech Inc): Full Drug Profile

Medically reviewed by Dr. Otari Nergadze, Neurosurgeon | Updated: January 2026

Avastin (Genentech Inc) - General Information

A recombinant humanized monoclonal IgG1 antibody that binds to and inhibits the biologic activity of human vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Avastin (Genentech Inc) contains human framework regions and the complementarity-determining regions of a murine antibody that binds to VEGF. Avastin (Genentech Inc) is produced in a Chinese Hamster Ovary mammalian cell expression system in a nutrient medium containing the antibiotic gentamicin and has a molecular weight of approximately 149 kilodaltons.

 

Pharmacology of Avastin (Genentech Inc)

Avastin (Genentech Inc) prevents or reduces the formation of blood vessels (angiogenesis) thereby preventing or reducing metatstatic disease progressing. Avastin (Genentech Inc) binds VEGF and prevents vascular endothelial growth and endothelial cell proliferation.

 

Avastin (Genentech Inc) for patients

 

Avastin (Genentech Inc) Interactions

No formal drug interaction studies with anti-neoplastic agents have been conducted. In Study 1, patients with colorectal cancer were given irinotecan/5-FU/leucovorin (bolus-IFL) with or without AVASTIN. Irinotecan concentrations were similar in patients receiving bolus-IFL alone and in combination with AVASTIN. The concentrations of SN38, the active metabolite of irinotecan, were on average 33% higher in patients receiving bolus-IFL in combination with AVASTIN when compared with bolus-IFL alone. In Study 1, patients receiving bolus-IFL plus AVASTIN had a higher incidence of Grade 3-4 diarrhea and neutropenia. Due to high inter-patient variability and limited sampling, the extent of the increase in SN38 levels in patients receiving concurrent irinotecan and AVASTIN is uncertain.

 

Avastin (Genentech Inc) Contraindications

There are no known contraindications to the use of AVASTIN.

 

Additional information about Avastin (Genentech Inc)

Avastin (Genentech Inc) Indication: For treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer Mechanism Of Action: Avastin (Genentech Inc) binds VEGF and prevents the interaction of VEGF to its receptors (Flt-1 and KDR) on the surface of endothelial cells. This prevents blood vessel growth. Drug Interactions: Not Available Food Interactions: Not Available Generic Name: Bevacizumab Synonyms: Avastin; antiVEGF Drug Category: Antiangiogenesis Agents; Antineoplastic Agents Drug Type: Biotech; Approved; Investigational Other Brand Names containing Bevacizumab: Avastin (Genentech Inc); Avastin; Absorption: Not Available Toxicity (Overdose): Not Available Protein Binding: Not Available Biotransformation: Most likely removed by opsonization via the reticuloendothelial system when bound to endothelial cells, or by human antimurine antibody production Half Life: Not Available Dosage Forms of Avastin (Genentech Inc): Solution Intravenous Chemical IUPAC Name: Humanized anti-VEGF antibody Chemical Formula: Not Available Bevacizumab on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bevacizumab Organisms Affected: Humans and other mammals