Ocular Angiogenesis: Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and Other Factors.
Systematic study of the mechanisms underlying pathological ocular neovascularization has yielded a wealth of knowledge about pro- and anti-angiogenic factors that modulate diseases such as neovascular age-related macular degeneration. The evidence implicating vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in particular has led to the development of a number of approved anti-VEGF therapies. Additional proangiogenic targets that have emerged as potential mediators of ocular neovascularization include hypoxia-inducible factor-1, angiopoietin-2, platelet-derived growth factor-B and components of the alternative complement pathway. As for VEGF, knowledge of these factors has led to a product pipeline of many more novel agents that are in various stages of clinical development in the setting of ocular neovascularization. These agents are represented by a range of drug classes and, in addition to novel small- and large-molecule VEGF inhibitors, include gene therapies, small interfering RNA agents and tyrosine kinase inhibitors. In addition, combination therapy is beginning to emerge as a strategy to improve the efficacy of individual therapies. Thus, a variety of agents, whether administered alone or as adjunctive therapy with agents targeting VEGF, offer the promise of expanding the range of treatments for ocular neovascular diseases.
Roman G
RG
Rubio
Anthony P
AP
Adamis
D042702:Angiopoietin-2 / Q000502:physiology*; D003170:Complement Pathway, Alternative / Q000502:physiology*; D005123:Eye / Q000098:blood supply*; D006801:Humans; D051793:Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1 / Q000502:physiology*; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic / Q000503:physiopathology*; D020574:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-sis / Q000502:physiology*; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000502:physiology*
C586513:ANGPT2 protein, human; D042702:Angiopoietin-2; D051793:Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1; D020574:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-sis; C467484:VEGFA protein, human; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A