What was the first anti-VEGF therapy approved for intravitreal use?

The first anti-VEGF therapy approved for intravitreal use is Pegaptanib, marketed under the brand name Macugen. This medication was specifically developed to target vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which plays a crucial role in the development of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) associated with age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Pegaptanib is a pegylated aptamer that binds to a specific isoform of VEGF, thereby inhibiting its action and reducing the unwanted neovascularization that can lead to vision loss. Its approval marked a significant advancement in the treatment of retinal diseases characterized by abnormal blood vessel growth, setting the stage for subsequent therapies, including other anti-VEGF treatments such as Ranibizumab and Bevacizumab, which were developed later.

Understanding the chronology of anti-VEGF therapy development is essential because it highlights the progression of treatment options available for patients with conditions like AMD, emphasizing the importance of targeting growth factors to manage these diseases effectively.