Review Article

A narrative review on the role of abicipar in age-related macular degeneration

:-
 

Abstract: In developed countries, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the main cause of visual impairment in the elderly. Though the etiology of AMD is still unclear, it has been well understood that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is involved in the development of aberrant vasculature that represents the neovascular AMD (nAMD). Hence, VEGF inhibition is a more effective way to control nAMD. Pegaptanib, ranibizumab, and aflibercept are three drugs approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat nAMD. Bevacizumab (an anti-VEGF medication comparable to ranibizumab) is already widely used off label. Existing anti-VEGF medicines are made up of antibodies or pieces of antibodies. Synthetic designed ankyrin repeat proteins (DARPins) imitate antibodies introduced recently by evolutions in bioengineering technology. These agents are designed to have high specificity and affinity to a specific target, smaller molecular size, and better tissue penetration, making them more stable and longer-acting at less concentration. Abicipar pegol (Allergan, Dublin, Ireland) is a DARPin that interlocks all VEGF-A isoforms. It has a greater affinity for VEGF and a longer intraocular half-life than ranibizumab, making it a feasible anti-VEGF agent. This review describes the properties and efficacy of abicipar, the new anti-VEGF agent, in clinical practice, which aims to improve outcomes, safety, and treatment burden of nAMD.

Current Issue
  • 眼科学报

    Executive director:Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China
    Host: Sun Yat-sen University
    Undertake: Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University
    Editors-in-Chief: 林浩添
    Executive director:Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China
    Host: Sun Yat-sen University
    Browse
  • Eye Science

    Executive director:Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China
    Host: Sun Yat-sen University
    Undertake: Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University
    Editors-in-Chief: 林浩添
    Executive director:Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China
    Host: Sun Yat-sen University
    Browse
Publishing Information
Copyright of Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University粤ICP备:11021180