A Promising New AMD Treatment

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By Frances Benham, PhD

Pfizer, Inc., through its Eyetech Pharmaceuticals division, received Food and Drug Administration approval February 1, 2005, for its new drug Macugen. Macugen is Pfizer's tradename for an anti-VEGF treatment; it binds to and so inhibits vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) activity.

VEGF, a protein, has been identified as an essential signal for the processes that underlie the formation of wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD). VEGF is critical to the formation of undesirable new blood vessels, increased leakage from blood vessels and inflammation, all of which contribute to the progression of the neovascular (wet) form of AMD. VEGF has also been implicated in blood retinal barrier breakdown and pathological ocular neovascularation. (Source: www.drugs.com/NDA/macugen_040818.html)

Macugen joins the select group of medications that inhibit conditions leading to AMD. Pfizer indicates Macugen will be an improved longer-lasting treatment. PXE patients may benefit from this new AMD treatment, although this has not yet been established. As always, our retinologists must evaluate its potential for individual cases. Additional information is on the Pfizer Macugen websites.