Avastin

Avastin - General Information

A recombinant humanized monoclonal IgG1 antibody that binds to and inhibits the biologic activity of human vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Avastin contains human framework regions and the complementarity-determining regions of a murine antibody that binds to VEGF. Avastin 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

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

Avastin for patients

Avastin 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 Contraindications

There are no known contraindications to the use of AVASTIN.

Additional information about Avastin

Avastin Indication: For treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer
Mechanism Of Action: Avastin 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: 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