Roche Study Disputes Positive Avastin Report

Initial findings of the analysis of 78,000 Medicare patients indicated that there was an 11% greater chance of death and 57% higher chance of stroke among those taking Avastin compared to those taking Lucentis.

A study by Roche has warned that its Avastin (bevacizumab) cancer drug has a greater risk of side effects than its Lucentis when used to treat vision problems.

The report disputes a study — sponsored by the US Government-funded National Eye Institute — released last week that concluded that Avastin was just as effective as Lucentis when used to treat wet age-related macular degeneration.

Initial findings of the analysis of 78,000 Medicare patients indicated that there was an 11% greater chance of death and 57% higher chance of stroke among those taking Avastin compared to those taking Lucentis.

The findings take one extra significance when one considers the $1,