Genentech sales and marketing update

DNA, the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) and the American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS) provided an update on their joint efforts to address physician questions about access to Avastin bevacizumab after DNA stops selling the cancer drug to compounding pharmacies on Jan. 1. DNA and the two physician groups said physicians can prescribe Avastin and purchase it directly from authorized wholesale distributors. The wholesalers can then ship the drug to a destination of the physician's choice, including hospital pharmacies, compounding pharmacies or directly to their office. The AAO said it and the ASRS believe this process "addresses the needs of most of their members."

Compounding pharmacies prepare Avastin for off-label use in wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and other ocular diseases. DNA announced in October its plans to limit distribution (see BioCentury, Nov. 5). ...