Emergence of dual VEGF and PDGF antagonists in the treatment of exudative age-related macular degeneration

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Matthew R. Kudelka, Emory University; Hans Grossniklaus, Emory University; Kenneth J. Mandell, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• Language: English
• Date: 2013-10-24
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis: STM, Behavioural Science and Public Health Titles - No Open Select
• Publication Version: Author Accepted Manuscript (After Peer Review)
• Copyright Statement: (C) Taylor & Francis
• Final Published Version (URL): http://dx.doi.org/10.1586/17469899.2013.840095
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: Expert Review of Ophthalmology
• ISSN: 1746-9899
• Volume: 8
• Issue: 5
• Start Page: 475
• End Page: 484
• Keywords: angiogenesis; neovascular age-related macular degeneration; clinical trials; wet AMD; preclinical studies; VEGF; ophthalmology; PDGF; combination therapy
• Research Categories: Health Sciences, Medicine and Surgery; Chemistry, Biochemistry

Abstract

Neovascular ('wet') age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness among Caucasians over the age of 55 in the USA and is an important cause of ocular morbidity worldwide. Progress in oncology, and more recently ophthalmology, led to the development of VEGF antagonists, three of which are now approved for the treatment of wet AMD. Recent discoveries in ophthalmology and vascular biology, however, suggest that combined inhibition of VEGF and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) may be more beneficial than inhibition of VEGF alone. Accordingly, numerous studies are underway to evaluate the role of anti-VEGF/PDGF combination therapies for the treatment of wet AMD. This review discusses the biology of VEGF and PDGF and current preclinical and clinical data exploring the use of combined VEGF/PDGF inhibitors in the treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration. © Informa UK, Ltd.