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Avastin is an investigational recombinant humanized
monoclonal antibody to vascular endothelial cell growth factor
(rhuMAb-VEGF). Avastin, formerly known as anti-VEGF is designed to bind to
and inhibit Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), a protein that plays
a critical role in tumor angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels
to the tumor) and maintenance of established tumor blood vessels. Genentech
recently announced that a Phase III clinical study in metastatic colorectal
cancer patients met its primary endpoint of improving overall survival.
VEGF, which was first discovered by Genentech
scientist, Napoleone Ferrara, is a protein that is secreted from hypoxic
(lacking oxygen) cells, including those that are malignant or cancerous.
VEGF stimulates new blood vessel formation, or angiogenesis, by binding to
specific receptors on nearby blood vessels to stimulate extensions to
existing blood vessels.
Research has shown that angiogenesis, by supplying blood to tumors,
plays an important role in both tumor growth and metastasis. Once VEGF was
identified, Genentech scientists developed a humanized monoclonal antibody,
rhuMAb-VEGF, that is designed to bind to VEGF preventing it from binding to
its receptors and therefore potentially inhibiting tumor growth.
Source: Genetech.com
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