Bevacizumab, an anti–vascular endothelial growth factor treatment for which 1 biosimilar has been approved to date, has been shown to improve quality of life for patients with glioblastoma—and to delay disease progression—but has not prolonged patients’ overall survival. However, recent research suggests that using 4 older drugs together with bevacizumab could provide a more effective treatment protocol.
Bevacizumab, an anti—vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) treatment for which 1 biosimilar has been approved to date, has been shown to improve quality of life for patients with glioblastoma—and to delay disease progression—but has not prolonged patients’ overall survival.
However, recent research suggests that using 4 older drugs together with bevacizumab could provide a more effective treatment protocol. Writing in Medical Sciences, Richard E. Kast, MD, describes the current research supporting this regimen.
The drugs in question are apremilast, which treats psoriasis; dapsone, an antibiotic that treats Hansen disease; zonisamide, which treats seizures; and telmisartan, which treats hypertension.
Using these drugs in combination with bevacizumab is expected to lower intracranial pressure, allow for steroid-sparing treatment, enhance bevacizumab’s effects, provide synergy with temozolomide, exert anti-glioma effects, and have low risk of adverse events.
All of these drugs, writes Kast, are low-risk drugs when they are used individually, and are all relatively inexpensive and widely available. Phase 3 testing of the regimen will be necessary prior to general use, however.
Reference
Kast RE. Paths for improving bevacizumab available in 2018: the ADZT regimen for better glioblastoma treatment. Med Sci. 2018;6(4); 84. doi:10.3390/medsci6040084.
Competitive Pricing in Biosimilars: How Adalimumab Could Shape the Industry
Published: October 29th 2024 | Updated: October 29th 2024Sophia Humphreys, PharmD, MHA, BCBBS, of Sutter Health notes that although initial adoption of adalimumab biosimilars remained low in 2023, competitive pricing pressures have already benefited patients and the health care sector.
Biosimilars in America: Overcoming Barriers and Maximizing Impact
July 21st 2024Join us as we explore the complexities of the US biosimilars market, discussing legislative influences, payer and provider adoption factors, and strategies to overcome industry challenges with expert insights from Kyle Noonan, PharmD, MS, value & access strategy manager at Cencora.
Samsung Bioepis Report Showcases Adalimumab Biosimilar Growth in Market Share
October 11th 2024Adalimumab biosimilars have seen a significant increase in market share, from 2% in early 2024 to 22%, as payers and pharmacy benefit managers begin to prioritize these biosimilars over the reference product, Humira.
Biosimilars Oncology Roundup for June 2024—Podcast Edition
July 7th 2024On this episode of Not So Different, we review biosimilar news coming out of June, with clinical trial results from conferences and a study showcasing how to overcome economic and noneconomic barriers to oncology biosimilars.
Duke Publishes Recommendations for Developing CGT Biosimilars
October 9th 2024Transformative cell and gene therapies (CGT) offer promising treatments for serious conditions, but high costs and complex biologics limit competition, requiring policies that support the development of biosimilars to enhance affordability and patient access.