Aflibercept (VEGF Trap-Eye) for the treatment of exudative age-related macular degeneration

Abstract

Aflibercept, a soluble receptor molecule that binds VEGF, has been recently approved for the treatment of exudative age-related macular degeneration. This fusion protein with binding sequences from VEGF receptors 1 and 2 possesses high binding affinity for isomers of VEGF-A, VEGF-B and PlGF, and prevents VEGF from initiating proliferation and migration of vascular endothelial cells. Phase III trials showed that intravitreal aflibercept given monthly or every 2 months produces visual improvement and decrease in macular thickness comparable with monthly ranibizumab. The second year of the trials demonstrated that as-needed aflibercept maintained vision with few required injections. Aflibercept promises to decrease the treatment burden faced by patients with exudative age-related macular degeneration.