Avastin bevacizumab regulatory update

The U.K.'s NICE issued a final appraisal determination (FAD) recommending against Avastin bevacizumab from Roche for first-line treatment of advanced ovarian cancer in combination with paclitaxel and carboplatin. The FAD is in line with a December preliminary appraisal, in which NICE estimated that the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) for Avastin per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained would be £128,000-£161,000 ($194,970-$245,235), which is above the range normally considered cost-effective (see BioCentury, Dec. 24, 2012). Final guidance is expected this month. ...