Avastin Biosimilar Zirabev Launched

January 6, 2020 – Pfizer has announced the launch of ZirabevTM (bevacizumab-bvzr), its biosimilar for Genentech’s Avastin® (bevacizumab). Zirabev is indicated to treat certain patients who have cervical cancer, colorectal cancer, glioblastoma, non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), or renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

FDA approved in June of 2019, Zirabev offers patients a potentially lower-cost alternative to Avastin. However, as a biosimilar, it is not automatically interchangeable with Avastin. Recommended dosing is based on individual patient factors, including the patient’s weight and diagnosis.

Pfizer has priced Zirabev at a 23% discount compared to Avastin’s wholesale acquisition cost (WAC). The product is available at a WAC of $613.40 for a 100mg single-dose vial and $2,543.60 for a 400mg single-dose vial. Zirabev is the second Avastin biosimilar to launch in the United States. In July 2019, Allergan and Amgen launched their Avastin biosimilar, MvasiTM (bevacizumab-awwb), at a WAC of $677.40 per 100mg vial and $2,709.60 per 400mg vial, a 15% discount to Avastin’s WAC.

Neither Zirabev or Mvasi share Avastin’s FDA-approved indications for the treatment of epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer, which are protected by orphan drug exclusivity.