Advances in pharmacotherapy for wet age-related macular degeneration

Abstract

Introduction: In developed countries, neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of irreversible central blindness. Although AMD pathogenesis is complex and still not fully understood, many involved mechanisms are already partially known and could be promising targets for future therapies. Currently, anti-VEGF drugs are the standard care of this condition.

Areas covered: This review summarizes both the current available and the emerging pharmacological therapies for the management of neovascular AMD. At first, we briefly focused on anti-VEGF compounds that are commonly used. Then, we reviewed the mechanisms of action and potential advantages of new candidate drugs that are being evaluated in clinical trials.

Expert opinion: Although anti-VEGF drugs have shown mild-term good efficacy and safety profile in the treatment of neovascular AMD, they are far away from being a perfect therapy. Pharmacological research should focus on finding new molecular targets in the AMD pathogenetical pathway and on developing longer lasting agents or new drug delivery systems. Besides the development of new drugs, a better characterization of patients is also needed, taking into account variables such as choroidal neovascularization subtypes and genetic factors, in order to identify a tailored treatment for each patient.

Keywords:

• age related macular degeneration
• angiogenesis inhibitors
• choroidal neovascularization
• drug therapy

Declaration of interest

P Lanzetta is a consultant for Alcon, Alimera, Allergan, Bausch & Lomb, Bayer, Genentech, Lutrontic, Novartis, Roche, and Teva. BD Kupperman has conducted clinical research for Alcon, Allegro, Allergan, Genentech, GSK, Neurotech, Ophthotech, Regeneron, and ThromboGenics. He is also a consultant for AcuFocus, Aerpio, Alcon, Alimera, Allegro, Allergan, Ampio, Genentech, Glaukos, Neurotech, Novartis, Ophthotech, Regeneron, Santen, SecondSight, Staar Surgical, Teva, and ThromboGenics. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

Notes

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