Biological, preclinical and clinical characteristics of inhibitors of vascular endothelial growth factors.

Journal article

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays an important role in the pathophysiology of several sight-threatening retinal disorders such as age-related macular degeneration, diabetic macular edema and proliferative diabetic retinopathy. The discovery of anti-VEGF agents has revolutionized our treatment of these conditions. There are 4 anti-VEGF agents that are either approved or in common use in ophthalmology, namely pegaptanib (Macugen, Pfizer), ranibizumab (Lucentis, Novartis), aflibercept or VEGF Trap-Eye (EYLEA, Bayer) and bevacizumab (Avastin, Roche). There are differences between them. In this review, the differences are discussed in detail. Furthermore, an attempt is made to explain some of the clinical trial data based on their differences in ocular efficacy, duration of action, and local and systemic safety concerns.

Authors: Chong, V

• Journal: Ophthalmologica. Journal international d'ophtalmologie. International journal of ophthalmology. Zeitschrift fur Augenheilkunde
• Volume: 227 Suppl 1
• Issue: SUPPL. 1
• Pages: 2-10
• Publication date: 2012-01-01
• DOI: 10.1159/000337152
• EISSN: 1423-0267
• ISSN: 0030-3755
• Language: English
• Keywords: Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; Macular Degeneration; Macular Edema; Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; Recombinant Fusion Proteins; Aptamers, Nucleotide; Humans; Angiogenesis Inhibitors; Diabetic Retinopathy