Understanding Avastin
Avastin, approved by the FDA in 2004, was marketed as the first commercially available angiogenesis inhibitor. Angiogenesis refers to the process of growing blood vessels from pre-existing vessels. So in the case of Avastin, this angiogenesis inhibitor was essentially prescribed to stop cancerous cells from spreading. It is given intravenously and often times in conjunction with chemotherapy drugs. It's primary uses have been in combating colon, lung, ovarian, and breast cancer and has also been used to treat eye disease (i.e. age-related macular degeneration).
The specific way in which Avastin works is that it inhibits the function of a natural protein called vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Unfortunately, VEGF and the process of blood vessel generation/regeneration is also a normal part of the body's healing and maintenance. There is some valid concern that Avastin will interfere with these normal processes.
Avastin (and more specifically Genentech, the manufacturer of Avastin) has been criticized in the media for being an extraordinarily expensive drug that does not cure cancer or improve quality of life, only prolongs life. Costs in the United States can exceed $100,000 annually per patient.
Genentech allegedly did not warn Avastin users of the drug's dangerous side effects which include but are not limited to the following:
The Avastin Lawyers at Cates Law are now accepting claims for Avastin. If you or a loved one has experienced painful side effects from Avastin please contact us as soon as possible. If we accept your case and feel that Genentech acted negligently we will begin fighting immediately to compensate the victim and/or their family. The best course of action to prevent powerful drug manufacturers from acting negligently is to hit them where it hurts – their bottom line. The Avastin Lawyers at Cates Law are extremely knowledgeable and successful at practicing this type of litigation and we are willing to speak with you for free to go over all of your options. We are accepting cases nationwide.
The specific way in which Avastin works is that it inhibits the function of a natural protein called vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Unfortunately, VEGF and the process of blood vessel generation/regeneration is also a normal part of the body's healing and maintenance. There is some valid concern that Avastin will interfere with these normal processes.
Avastin (and more specifically Genentech, the manufacturer of Avastin) has been criticized in the media for being an extraordinarily expensive drug that does not cure cancer or improve quality of life, only prolongs life. Costs in the United States can exceed $100,000 annually per patient.
Genentech allegedly did not warn Avastin users of the drug's dangerous side effects which include but are not limited to the following:
- Stroke
- Heart attack / heart failure
- Blood clots
- Tearing and/or perforations in the GI (gastrointestinal) tract
- Severe bleeding / hemorrhaging
- Surgical wounds that do not heal correctly
- Ovarian failure
The Avastin Lawyers at Cates Law are now accepting claims for Avastin. If you or a loved one has experienced painful side effects from Avastin please contact us as soon as possible. If we accept your case and feel that Genentech acted negligently we will begin fighting immediately to compensate the victim and/or their family. The best course of action to prevent powerful drug manufacturers from acting negligently is to hit them where it hurts – their bottom line. The Avastin Lawyers at Cates Law are extremely knowledgeable and successful at practicing this type of litigation and we are willing to speak with you for free to go over all of your options. We are accepting cases nationwide.
