World's first drug treatment for NF2-SWN approved by Japan: what this could mean for the NF community
- Jul 9
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 16
In an important development for people affected by Neurofibromatosis type 2-related
Schwannomatosis (NF2-SWN), Japan has approved Avastin, also known by the common name bevacizumab, as a treatment for NF2. According to Chugai Pharmaceutical, the producer of the drug in Japan, this is the first treatment in the world to receive approval specifically for this condition.
The approval was granted by Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare on 19 June 2026 and was based on a Japanese Phase II clinical study called BeatNF2. The study suggested that Avastin may help maintain or improve hearing in some people and showed a trend toward reducing tumour volume in people with NF2-SWN.
What is NF2-SWN?
NF2-SWN is a rare genetic condition that can cause non-cancerous tumours to grow on nerves, especially the nerves involved in hearing and balance. These tumours are called vestibular schwannomas. Although they are benign, they can still have a serious impact on daily life by causing hearing loss, tinnitus, dizziness, balance problems and other neurological symptoms.
Until now, treatment options for NF2-SWN have often included monitoring, surgery or radiation. These approaches can be helpful and sometimes necessary, but they may not be suitable for everyone. For many people and families, the possibility of a medicine-based treatment option is encouraging news.
What is Avastin (bevacizumab)?
Avastin (Bevacizumab) is a medication that works by blocking a protein called VEGF. The protein helps tumours develop the blood supply they need to grow. It is already used in several cancer treatments and is given through an intravenous infusion. It has been in clinical trials for NF2-SWN in many countries and showed a trend towards reducing tumour volume in NF2-SWN patients in some of these trials, but Japan is the first to approve it for therapeutic use.
For NF2-SWN, Japan has approved the treatment for adults at a usual dose of 5 mg per kilogram of body weight every two weeks. As with any medication, Avastin can have side effects and is not suitable for everyone, so treatment decisions should always be made with a specialist medical team.
Why this matters
This approval does not mean that NF2-SWN has been cured, and it does not mean the treatment is automatically available for NF2-SWN in other countries. However, it is an important step because it shows that treatment options for NF2-SWN are moving through formal approval pathways.
For the NF community, this is a hopeful milestone. It recognises the need for more treatment options, particularly for people facing hearing loss, balance challenges and difficult decisions about surgery or radiation.
What about Australia?
Bevacizumab is already approved in Australia for several cancer-related uses and is available on the PBS under various brand names, but it is not available for treatment of NF2-SWN through the PBS.
According to the Children's Tumour Foundation (CTF) of Australia, Avastin (bevacizumab) is used ad hoc for NF2 based upon the availability of funding through the hospital where treatment is being offered, through compassionate access or where there is an ability to self-fund. Unfortunately, the drug costs several thousands of dollars per month. The CTF says it is continually looking into avenues for funding.
People in Australia who have questions about treatment options should speak with their treating specialist or NF care team.
A note for the NF community
News like this can bring hope, questions and uncertainty all at once. While this approval is specific to Japan, it is a meaningful development in the global effort to improve care for people living with NF2-SWN. We will continue to follow updates and share information as it becomes available.
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