Roche Drug Avastin Proven Effective To Treat Brain Cancer

Boston (dbTechno) - According to a U.S. advisory panel, the drug Avastin from Roche Holding AG has been proven effective in treating a certain type of brain cancer.

The U.S. advisory panel has given its support to the drug, which may put it on the fast track to an approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The vote of support in favor of the drug being approved came in at a 10-0, a unanimous decision.

Two studies conducted on the drug showcased that it was highly-effective in treating this certain type of brain cancer, gliobastoma.

The results of the studies revealed that the drug was able to either decrease the size of the cancerous tumor, or slow the progression of the disease.

The company is working to finish a larger trial on the drug, but may get an accelerated approval thanks to the positive results thus far and the support from the panel.

The larger trial is expected to have full results available by the year 2014.

The company has stated that they believe they have met the criteria for accelerated approval.

The drug was initially made by Genentech, which has since been acquired by Roche.