This article is more than 5 years old. Information may no longer be current.
Genentech, AAO, ASRS reach agreement on physician access to bevacizumab
Click Here to Manage Email Alerts
Genentech, the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Society of Retina Specialists have agreed on a protocol that will allow bevacizumab to continue being supplied to physicians after the company ceases directly supplying the drug to compounding pharmacies, the company and the organizations announced.
Physicians will be able to obtain Avastin (bevacizumab) for their patients by purchasing the drug directly from an authorized wholesale distributor. The distributor can then ship the drug to the destination of the physician's choice, including hospital pharmacies, compounding pharmacies and the physician's office, according to a press release.
"This process is one that the AAO and ASRS believe addresses the needs of their members," the release said.
The AAO and the ASRS recognize that implementation of the new process for physician access to bevacizumab may vary, depending on individual state laws. Both organizations recommend that physicians consult with legal advisers before pursuing this option, the AAO said.
Genentech announced in October that it would cease to distribute bevacizumab to compounding pharmacies as of Nov. 30. The cessation date was then postponed to Jan. 1.
Physicians often prescribe bevacizumab off-label for treating age-related macular degeneration, although Lucentis (ranibizumab, Genentech) is specifically indicated and approved for the disease.
"Genentech continues to believe Lucentis is the most appropriate treatment for patients with wet age-related macular degeneration because it was specifically designed, formally studied, approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and manufactured for intraocular delivery for the treatment of wet AMD," Genentech said in its release.
Genentech will continue to work with the AAO and the ASRS on ways to facilitate patient access and physician reimbursement for ranibizumab, the company said.
Bevacizumab reportedly costs $45 for the physician, while ranibizumab costs more than $2,000 per injection.