According to the MARINA AMD study, what treatment is more likely to prevent visual loss than placebo in patients with neovascular AMD?

The MARINA study established ranibizumab as a significant treatment option for patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This study demonstrated that patients receiving ranibizumab experienced a notable reduction in the risk of vision loss compared to those receiving a placebo. The mechanism of action of ranibizumab involves inhibiting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which plays a critical role in the pathologic process of neovascular AMD, including the formation of choroidal neovascularization (CNV).

The findings from the MARINA study are pivotal as they showed that ranibizumab not only helps in preventing further loss of vision but also can lead to actual vision improvement in some patients. This efficacy changed the landscape of treatment for neovascular AMD, marking the advent of anti-VEGF therapy as a primary approach for managing this condition.

While aflibercept, bevacizumab, and verteporfin also have their respective roles in the treatment landscape for AMD, the MARINA study specifically highlighted ranibizumab's effectiveness in this context. This distinction makes it clear why ranibizumab is recognized as the treatment more likely to prevent visual loss when compared to a placebo.