FDA approves Roche's Avastin in progressive glioblastoma

The US Food and Drug Administration has granted accelerated approval of Swiss drug major Roche's Avastin (bevacizumab) for people with  glioblastoma with progressive disease following prior therapy.

The new approval will help expand sales of the drug, which was the main  attraction behind Roche's $46.8 billion takeover of Genentech. The  first-in-class vascular endothelial growth factor blocker was the US  biotechnology firm's biggest seller last year, earning $2.69 billion,  while Basel-based Roche posted worldwide sales of 5.21 billion Swiss  francs ($4.82 billion).