Antivascular endothelial growth factor agents and their development: therapeutic implications in ocular diseases.
OBJECTIVE
To provide an overview of angiogenesis and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and discusses the development approach, safety, and efficacy results of current and emerging anti-VEGF therapies for ocular diseases.


METHODS
Analysis of literature and current clinical trials of antiangiogenic agents for age-related macular degeneration (AMD).


METHODS
Literature review.


RESULTS
There are several novel antiangiogenic molecules that target vascular endothelial growth factor and are being used in the management of AMD. Large scale, Phase III trials have shown promising results in improving vision in this devastating disease.


CONCLUSIONS
Therapies that target VEGF have shown tremendous promise as treatments for AMD.
Kaiser
Peter K
PK
Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA. pkkaiser@aol.com
D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D052157:Aptamers, Nucleotide / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000068258:Bevacizumab; D006801:Humans; D008268:Macular Degeneration / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000069579:Ranibizumab; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*
D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D052157:Aptamers, Nucleotide; C467484:VEGFA protein, human; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; C495058:pegaptanib; D000068258:Bevacizumab; D000069579:Ranibizumab