CuraTeQ Biologics, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Aurobindo Pharma, has received marketing authorization from the UK's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) for Bevqolva, a biosimilar version of bevacizumab. This approval marks a significant step in expanding access to cost-effective cancer treatments in the UK.
Bevqolva is approved for the treatment of several cancers, offering a new option for patients with these conditions. Bevacizumab, the reference product for Bevqolva, is a VEGF inhibitor used in combination with chemotherapy.
Indications and Availability
Bevqolva is indicated for multiple cancers, including:
- Metastatic colorectal cancer
- Recurrent or metastatic non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer
- Advanced and/or metastatic renal cell carcinoma
- Cervical cancer
- Epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, and primary peritoneal cancer
The drug will be available as a 25 mg/mL concentrate for intravenous infusion, supplied in 4 mL (100 mg) and 16 mL (400 mg) single-use vials.
Mechanism of Action
Bevacizumab, and consequently Bevqolva, functions by blocking vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a protein crucial for angiogenesis, the process by which cancer cells develop new blood vessels to support their growth. By inhibiting VEGF, Bevqolva helps to slow or stop the growth and spread of tumors.
Aurobindo Pharma's Expanding Biosimilar Portfolio
This approval follows a positive opinion from the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for Aurobindo Pharma’s filgrastim biosimilar, Zefylti. Zefylti is intended for the treatment of neutropenia and the mobilization of peripheral blood progenitor cells (PBPCs).
These developments highlight Aurobindo Pharma's commitment to developing and providing access to high-quality, cost-effective biosimilars in oncology and other therapeutic areas. The company's pipeline includes 14 biosimilars, primarily targeting the immunology and oncology segments.
