Pegaptanib for the treatment of age-related macular degeneration

Although neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration (AMD) only accounts for 10–20% of all AMD, the majority (about 90%) of severe vision loss associated with AMD is due to this form. Results from recent studies have implied that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), particularly VEGF165, plays a predominant role in the development of ocular neovascularization and vascular leakage secondary to AMD. Thus VEGF is an important therapeutic target in neovascular AMD. Pegaptanib, an anti-VEGF aptamer, can selectively bind with VEGF165 and inhibit both the growth of blood vessels and vascular leakage, and was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in the United States as the therapy for the treatment of all subtypes of neovascular AMD in December 2004. This review summaries the mechanism, preclinical and clinical studies, and adverse events of pegaptanib treatment.