March 2004

Introduction

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved 2 new anticancer agents to be used with currently approved regimens -- Avastin (bevacizumab) and Erbitux (cetuximab).

Bevacizumab is indicated for first-line treatment of patients with metastatic carcinoma of the colon or rectum. Bevacizumab is a recombinant monoclonal IgG1 antibody that binds to and inhibits the biologic activity of human vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).

Cetuximab is indicated for the treatment of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-expressing, metastatic colorectal carcinoma in patients who are refractory to irinotecan-based chemotherapy. Cetuximab is a monoclonal antibody that targets EGFR-expressing cancer cells.

This month's column reviews FDA new product approvals and labeling changes for:

Anticancer Agents

Avastin (bevacizumab) Injection Erbitux (cetuximab) Injection

Cardiovascular Agents

Caduet (amlodipine/atorvastatin) Tablets

Central Nervous System Agents

Provigil (Modafinil) Tablets

Immune Globulin

Rhophylac (Rho[D] Immune Globulin Intravenous [Human])

Osteoporosis Agents

Actonel (risedronate sodium) Tablets

Medscape Pharmacists. 2004;5(1) © 2004  Medscape

Cite this: March 2004 - Medscape - Apr 06, 2004.