Roche reports positive trial data for Avastin against ovarian cancer

Roche has published data demonstrating the efficacy of its drug Avastin in combating ovarian cancer.

Results from a phase III clinical trial called Oceans show that a combination of Avastin plus chemotherapy delivered improved rates of progression-free survival compared to chemotherapy alone.

This builds on previous data from two separate phase III studies that also supported the drug's use in this application, while no new findings on the product's safety or adverse event profile were observed.

Roche has already submitted an application to the European Medicines Agency for Avastin to be approved for this purpose, with a decision from the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use expected later in 2011.

Dr Hal Barron, chief medical officer and head of global product development at Roche, said: "We are very pleased with the results of the Oceans study, as women with ovarian cancer need new treatment options."

Earlier this month, Roche published its 2010 financial results, reporting a stable sales performance and above-the-market growth for its pharmaceutical division.