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Anti-VEGF utilization in US shows preference for bevacizumab
 Philip J. Rosenfeld |
KAANAPALI, Hawaii — Despite similar safety and efficacy profiles as ranibizumab in recent studies, bevacizumab appears to be the preferred anti-VEGF agent with regard to utilization in the United States, according to one presenter here.
Philip J. Rosenfeld, MD, PhD, discussed the use of Avastin (bevacizumab, Genentech) and Lucentis (ranibizumab, Genentech) throughout the U.S. during a session on treating wet age-related macular degeneration at Retina 2011.
According to Dr. Rosenfeld, bevacizumab and ranibizumab have demonstrated similar outcomes in recent trials. In particular, a retrospective study of 452 patients by Donald S. Fong, MD, MPH, and colleagues showed that after 12 months there were no statistically significant differences in vision improvement, loss of visual acuity or mean number of injections.
Between 2008 and 2009, a review of 45 million Medicare fee-for-service patients showed a 15% increase in the use of bevacizumab, from 57% to 59%, whereas the use of ranibizumab decreased from 40% to 39%, according to Dr. Rosenfeld.
"So, how is Avastin being utilized in the United States? It's clearly preferred over Lucentis," Dr. Rosenfeld said. "It's seen as the least costly alternative. But a lot is going to happen in 2011."
The upcoming release of Comparison of AMD Treatments Trials results, a decrease in reimbursement and factors such as rebate programs may sway utilization preferences this year, according to Dr. Rosenfeld.
- Disclosure: Philip J. Rosenfeld, MD, PhD, has no relevant financial interest to disclose.
Hawaiian Eye and Retina 2012 will be held January 15-20 at the Grand Wailea Resort & Spa in Maui. Learn more at OSNHawaiianEye.com or RetinaMeeting.com.