[New drugs; pegaptanib and ranibizumab].
The neovascular ('wet') form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is characterized by vascular growth and leakage in the retina. Two new drugs, pegaptanib and ranibizumab, have been shown to improve vision or slow the progression of AMD. Both drugs inhibit the action of vascular endothelial growth factor--pegaptanib as an oligonucleotide and ranibizumab as a monoclonal antibody--thereby decreasing angiogenesis in the eye. Adverse effects are associated with the intravitreal administration of both drugs and include increased intraocular pressure, local bleeding, and infection.
van Bronswijk
H
H
Leids Universitair Medisch Centrum, Leiden.
Dubois
E A
EA
van Meurs
J C
JC
Cohen
A F
AF
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D052157:Aptamers, Nucleotide / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018450:Disease Progression; D006801:Humans; D008268:Macular Degeneration / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000517:prevention & control; D000069579:Ranibizumab; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D014792:Visual Acuity / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D052157:Aptamers, Nucleotide; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; C495058:pegaptanib; D000069579:Ranibizumab