Combination therapy using the small interfering RNA bevasiranib.
Bevasiranib, the first small interfering RNA agent developed for the treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration, has demonstrated clinical promise. Injected intravitreally, this small interfering RNA acts by inducing catalytic destruction of messenger RNA to silence gene expression. Bevasiranib targets the production of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) protein. It does not affect existing VEGF protein, suggesting that it may offer a synergistic effect when given in combination with anti-VEGF treatments, such as ranibizumab. The safety of bevasiranib has been supported by preclinical and clinical research.
Singerman
Lawrence
L
Retina Associates of Cleveland, Case University School of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology, Cleveland, Ohio 44122, USA. lsingerman@retina-assoc.com
D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000818:Animals; D020256:Choroidal Neovascularization / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D020868:Gene Silencing; D006801:Humans; D008268:Macular Degeneration / Q000188:drug therapy*; D051379:Mice; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000235:genetics*
D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering; C467484:VEGFA protein, human; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A