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Genentech reaches agreement with AAO, ASRS on Avastin access
Genentech, the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Society of Retina Specialists have agreed on a protocol for ensuring physicians’ access to bevacizumab since the cessation of the drug’s distribution to compounding pharmacies Jan. 1.
Physicians will be able to prescribe Avastin (bevacizumab, Genentech) for their patients and to purchase the drug directly from an authorized wholesale distributor. The distributor can then ship to the destination of the physician’s choice, including hospital pharmacies, compounding pharmacies and the physician’s office, according to a press release. The AAO and ASRS recommend that physicians seek legal advice concerning their own state laws.
Genentech announced in October that it would halt the distribution of bevacizumab to compounding pharmacies as of Nov. 30, but then postponed the date of cessation to Jan. 1 amid an outcry from physicians.
Look for more coverage of this developing story in upcoming issues of OSN.