VEGF

Priority Review of NEW AMD Drug

The FDA has granted a priority review for VEGF Trap-Eye, a new drug designed to stop the growth of abnormal vessels in the eye. Trap-Eye is a fusion protein that blocks the growth factors leading to neovascularization in macular degeneration. The priority review sets the decision date at August 20, 2011. Bayer and Regeneron are collaborating on the Trap-Eye treatment for wet AMD. Regeneron has exclusive rights to VEGF Trap-Eye in the US, while Bayer intends to market it outside the US.

 

Fenretinide for Dry AMD

Data from a phase 2 trial of fenretinide showed a reduction in the incidence of wet age-related macular degeneration in patients with geographic atrophy, the advanced form of dry age-related macular degeneration.  Alexander M. Eaton, MD, an investigator in the trial, said, “We are hopeful that the complete analysis will further validate these findings as fenretinide could slow vision loss in the millions of Americans who face blindness because of this disease.” The drug reduces VEGF, the proteins that cause growth of leaky vessels in the retina.

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