Off-label use of intravitreal bevacizumab: A global conundrum

Samya Singh; Sandeep Saxena; Levent Akduman; Carsten H Meyer

doi:10.4103/IJO.IJO_2166_23

Off-label use of intravitreal bevacizumab: A global conundrum

Indian J Ophthalmol. 2024 May 1;72(5):617-619. doi: 10.4103/IJO.IJO_2166_23. Epub 2024 Apr 22.

Authors

Samya Singh¹, Sandeep Saxena¹, Levent Akduman², Carsten H Meyer³

Affiliations

¹ Department of Ophthalmology, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India.
² Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute, St. Louis University, St. Louis, MO, USA.
³ Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Center, Grischun, Chur, Switzerland.

PMID: 38661271
DOI: 10.4103/IJO.IJO_2166_23

Abstract

Bevacizumab is a monoclonal, humanized, full-length antibody targeting vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF-A), known for its anti-angiogenic properties. The off-label use of bevacizumab has stirred legal, financial, industrial, and ethical complexities. With its potential to treat diverse ocular conditions, this commentary delves into the multifaceted dimensions of bevacizumab's off-label utilization, encompassing clinical trials, regulatory frameworks, safety considerations, comparative effectiveness, and economic implications.

MeSH terms

Angiogenesis Inhibitors* / administration & dosage
Angiogenesis Inhibitors* / therapeutic use
Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized* / therapeutic use
Bevacizumab* / administration & dosage
Bevacizumab* / therapeutic use
Global Health
Humans
Intravitreal Injections*
Off-Label Use*
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A* / antagonists & inhibitors

Substances

Angiogenesis Inhibitors
Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
Bevacizumab
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A