Avastin: which tox species, and why?

“Toxicology studies were performed in cynomolgus monkeys and rabbits.”

“Cynomolgus monkey VEGF is predicted to have a protein sequence identical to that of human VEGF [41]. According to the applicant, bevacizumab also binds rabbit VEGF, although with a lower affinity than for human VEGF; the dissociation constant (Kd) is 8.0 nM for rabbit VEGF compared with 1.1 nM for human VEGF.”

“Most submitted pharmacological studies are performed with A4.6.1 but equivalence between bevacizumab and A4.6.1 has been adequately documented with regard to VEGF affinity and anti-proliferative effect.”