Intravitreal aflibercept injection for neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration

Introduction: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) continues to be a leading cause of blindness worldwide. The neovascular form of the disease can lead to rapid and progressive vision loss. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has emerged as a key target of treatment, with inhibitors of VEGF being shown to arrest the angiogenic process and avoid the visual damage typically associated with its presence. Areas covered: This manuscript reviews the treatment history for wet AMD and examines aflibercept, a new, fully human, recombinant fusion protein designed to bind all isoforms of VEGF-A, as well as placental growth factor (PGF), thereby inhibiting the binding and activation of VEGF receptors. Expert opinion: The results of Phase I, II and III studies have proven aflibercept to be a safe and effective treatment for wet AMD. Recent results of Phase III studies demonstrate the efficacy of aflibercept, dosed every 8 weeks after three initial monthly doses, and show that this regimen is clinically equivalent to monthly ranibizumab therapy. Eylea (TM) (aflibercept) was approved by the FDA for the treatment of wet AMD on 18 November 2011.