BioCentury
ARTICLE | Finance

Ebb & Flow

June 20, 2005 7:00 AM UTC

As Genentech began to pile up positive data for Avastin bevacizumab in multiple cancers, some analysts and investors began to worry aloud whether DNA would have the manufacturing capacity to keep up with demand. DNA looks to have nipped the issue in the bud with its purchase of Biogen Idec's NIMO manufacturing facility for $408 million in cash.

The anti-VEGF antibody is approved to treat colorectal cancer and has shown positive Phase III data in breast cancer and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) (see BioCentury, May 16). All together, there are six unapproved indications for which Avastin has completed or is in Phase III testing. DNA isn't disclosing when it plans to seek approval for any of them, but the new facility should be ready. The company, which has posted $676 million of Avastin sales in its first full year on the market, expects to start manufacturing the antibody at NIMO in 2006. ...