Introduction and Background

The group of vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF) plays a crucial role in the formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis), since they stimulate the growth, i.e. the division and migration of endothelial cells, as the name already suggests. Since some tumor types can better supply themselves with nutrients via increased angiogenesis and thus grow faster, anti-VEGF antibodies represent significant cancer therapeutics. However, the various types of cancer are not the only indication; enhanced angiogenesis is also important in certain eye diseases.

Anti-VEGF antibodies or fragments include bevacizumab (Avastin^®), ranibizumab (Lucentis^®) or aflibercept (Eylea^®) and an increasing number of biosimilars already on the market and in late-stage clinical trials, such as Mvasi^®, Zirabev^® or BevaciRel^®.

Today it is once again about the clarification of terms. I recently came across a wide variety of sensitivities, which we will explain today in their respective contexts. Where do they come from and why do they cause confusion?

If you ever wondered why the limit of detection (LOD) is actually calculated using the formula

LOD = 3.3 x standard deviation / slope_{calibration curve}

and where the 3.3 actually comes from, this article may shed some light on the subject.

And we continue reviewing pharmaceutical "essentials" books. With unbroken enthusiasm, I jumped at the book "Trending in the pharmaceutical industry" by Patric U.B. Vogel this time, published in 2020 by Springer Spektrum, Wiesbaden (ISBN: 978-3-658-32206-9) and spent a cozy evening in front of the chimney.