Roche’s blockbuster anticancer drug ‘Avastin (bevacizumab) has recorded the lowest quarterly sales in 5 years. The drug had been much influenced by the drug price cut that followed the introduction of its biosimilars. However, whether the drop will continue remains to be seen due to the rise of new variables from the additional price cut applied recently, the indication expansion to liver cancer, and the possibility of intensified competition among biosimilars this year.

◆Avastin’s sales drop sharply for 2 consecutive quarters… due to a 30% price cut

According to the pharmaceutical market research institution IQVIA, Avastin’s sales in Q1 this year were ₩19.3 billion, a