As reported by David S. Boyer, M.D., a novel combination treatment may be available for treatment of exudative (wet) macular degeneration.  An anti-platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) aptamer, combined with ranibizumab (Lucentis®), may have significant effects on choroidal neovascularization.  The results of the Phase I (safety) study were reported at the annual ARVO meeting.  The anti-PDGF aptamer, called E10030, had a positive safety profile.  Significant improvements were noted in macular thickness and vision after 12 weeks of therapy.

Citing limitations with anti-VEGF therapies, Boyer predicts that a dual armed approach may be more effective in treating choroidal neovascular disease.  Present therapies may improve vision, but at times to not cause actual shrinkage of the neovascular complex.  By targeting vascular pericytes and VEGF, more improvement and better stabilization may be possible.

According to Boyer, vascular pericytes indicates mature vascular tissue.  The presence of pericytes makes neovascular complexes more resistant to anti-VEGF therapy.  By targeting the pericytes and blocking VEGF, corneal neovascularization was controlled much better than monotherapy.

Randall V. Wong, M.D.
Retina Specialist
www.TotalRetina.com ^[1]