Recently, an advisory committee voted in support of the FDA’s proposal to rescind the approval of Avastin, a drug used to combat advanced breast health problems. The committee agreed that the drug was neither effective nor safe for widespread use. Doctors can still prescribe it for other conditions relevant to cellular health, creating an unfortunate loophole which could allow it to be used for breast conditions despite the latest evidence denouncing its effectiveness. Avastin is the world’s best-selling drug for life-threatening breast conditions, with sales last year of about $7 billion. For one year of use, it costs around $88,000.

Avastin ineffective and caused harmful side effects
Avastin received “accelerated approval” in 2008 under a program that permits drugs for serious conditions to reach the market quickly, while further studies are still being conducted. After clinical results showed that the drug was not performing as expected, the committee initially recommended the approval be revoked in July, 2010. Previous studies that allowed the rapid approval of Avastin showed its ability to delay unhealthy cell growth when combined with other conventional drug treatment. However, two later studies showed less impressive results. Tragically, none of the studies have shown that Avastin prolonged women’s lives.

“We’ve tried to slice this pie in a lot of different ways to try to find some kind of benefit for this drug,” said Dr. Mikkael Sekeres of the Cleveland Clinic. “All we’re left with are crumbs.”

The advisory committee members said the results from clinical trials suggested Avastin was not creating notable results, and was actually putting patients at risk for gastrointestinal perforations and hemorrhaging.

Integrative Health Alternatives
Breast health is one of the foremost areas of health concern among women today, and integrative solutions can make a difference. Whether fighting a serious breast condition or pro-actively maintaining breast health, integrative, alternative approaches offer a safe and effective way to help the body support proper breast health. BreastDefend is a unique breast formula based on the principles of integrative health and synergistic benefits, combining cutting-edge compounds with time-tested botanicals and extracts to create a comprehensive supplement for supporting breast health.

The proprietary blend contains quercetin, Astragalus root extract, Scutellaria barbata extract, and an enhanced bioavailable form of turmeric root extract (BC-95; 95% curcumin). BreastDefend also contains the powerful DIM (3,3′- diindolylmethane). DIM, an active ingredient found in broccoli, has been researched for its ability to promote cellular health and support healthy estrogen metabolism. DIM affects estrogen metabolism by promoting the excretion of xenoestrogens, which are “bad estrogens” we encounter through pesticides in our diet and from toxins in the environment. The formula is completed by the addition of three powerful mushrooms — Coriolus versicolor, Ganoderma lucidium (Reishi), and Phellinus linteus — for effective immune support.

BreastDefend gently promotes breast health by utilizing compounds and botanicals that have been extensively researched and shown to target important areas of breast health: hormone modulation, cellular behavior, and the immune system. These natural, effective ingredients work synergistically to provide gentle yet powerful support for breast health while also increasing overall vitality, naturally.

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Source:
Panel Advises F.D.A. to Narrow Its Approval for Avastin