Mixed fortunes for Roche's Avastin; Xeloda recommended by EU

There was both good and bad news this week for Roche's top revenue source, cancer drug Avastin. Sales of the drug reached $5.75bn in 2009 and it is being trialled in over 450 clinical studies worldwide for the treatment of various types of cancer. It was developed by biotech group Genetech, which Roche has taken over.

A late-stage study gauging its impact on inoperable, advanced or metastatic gastric cancer has been unsuccessful. The AVAGAST phase III study did not meet its primary endpoint of extending survival in patients treated with Avastin in combination with chemotherapy, compared to a placebo mixed with the same chemotherapy.

'We are disappointed with these results because treatment options for stomach cancer are limited', said Hal Barron, Roche's chief medical officer. This setback could cost Roche 1-4% of core earnings, according to some analysts. Roche had hoped that Avastin sales in this indication alone could reach $500m-$1bn. But there are still opportunities in this field; for instance, an ongoing phase III trial in China is assessing the drug in combination with Xeloda and cisplatin in advanced gastric cancer.