Pegaptanib octasodium for the treatment of diabetic macular edema

Abstract

Introduction: The treatment of diabetic macular edema has evolved into the common use of injectable medications that block the pathogenic pathways that lead to vascular exudation, the most important of which is vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Pegaptanib is an important medication that has been used clinically in the treatment of diabetic macular edema.

Areas covered: A literature search was done on Medline using the terms ‘diabetic macular edema’, ‘diabetic retinopathy’, ‘vascular endothelial growth factor’ and ‘pegaptanib’. The relevant papers and citations were then reviewed.

Expert opinion: Diabetic macular edema is the most common cause of visual loss in working-age people. Thus it is important to identify treatments that will allow a more prompt and complete improvement of visual function. Pegaptanib has many advantages in the treatment of diabetic macular edema. It may be more effective than laser therapy alone for center-involving edema and may have a better safety profile than pan-VEGF blocking agents.

Keywords::

• antivascular endothelial growth factor
• anti-VEGF
• bevacizumab
• clinical trials
• diabetic macular edema
• pegaptanib
• photocoagulation
• ranibizumab
• visual acuity