VEGF/VEGFR Inhibition for Cancer Treatment using Bevacizumab and its Biosimilars: A review

초록

Biologics are large complex proteins that are created in living cells that may serve a variety of uses and functions. Biosimilars are drugs that are like biologics designed to be used as interchangeable drugs. Biologics are known to be effective in managing and treating different diseases but less accessible due to high cost. Biosimilars have the same structure and function as their reference biologic and are less costly and were introduced in to the biotechnology industry in 2006 as a competition to the pharmaceutical industry. In this review we have discussed about similarities and differences between Avastin a biologic from Genentech and its five FDA approved biosimilars that are available in the market. The active ingredient of Avastin is bevacizumab, a monoclonal antibody that is used in combination with other drugs for the treatment of many types of cancers, is the first FDA approved anti-angiogenesis drug. Bevacizumab targets VEGF that plays a role in blood vessel formation under hypoxic conditions. Our understanding of VEGF’s involvement in cancer growth has evolved over the years and we now know that VEGF modulates tumor-induced immunosuppression. Since bevacizumab has established efficacy for approved indications, it is expected to remain an important agent in cancer therapy and partner in novel targeted combination therapy.

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