Genentech reported a third-quarter net income that rose 56 percent aided by sales of its colon cancer drug Avastin (bevacizumab) and breast cancer drug Herceptin (trastuzumab).
Avastin sales rose 78 percent to $325.2 million. Sales of breast cancer drug Herceptin rose 70 percent to $215 million.
Although sales of Avastin leveled off for its FDA-approved indication, colon cancer, doctors are starting to use it off-label for breast and lung cancer. Off-label prescribing has also boosted sales of Herceptin. The drug is approved for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer in certain women, however doctors are trying it in earlier stages of the disease.
Avastin and Herceptin sales fuel Genentech income rise
Genentech reported a third-quarter net income that rose 56 percent aided by sales of its colon cancer drug Avastin (bevacizumab) and breast cancer drug Herceptin (trastuzumab).
