Replies to post #30386 on Biotech Values

[masterlongevity]

slight correction

Lucentis is not an antibody fragment of Avastin, although this is often misquoted in the media

Instead, Avastin and Lucentis were derived from the same parent murine antibody (brothers) Lucentis has been tested in a large evidence based program. It is smaller to better penetrate the retina and is affinity matured to better block VEGF (in theory). Avastin has been used anecdotally and there is no safety database, so safety issues are unclear.

Avastin clearly works better than the current treatements on the market, but if I had a family memeber with w AMD, I would wait the 1-2 weeks and get Lucentis. Having saifd that, 3 months ago, i would ahve recommended avastin

[gfp927z]

Thanks Dew / board. Looking at the Lucentis Phase 3 data, it looks like vision was maintained or improved in 95% of patients after 1 year, vrs 62% for patients not receiving the drug (using a once/month injection regimen). They have another trial using less frequent injections (monthly for the first 3 months, then one injection every 3 months), but it looks like the results aren't nearly as good.

While the prospect of getting stuck in the eye every month isn't too appealing, it certainly beats the alternative. Thanks for the input.