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Macular Degeneration: Hope is in the Pipeline
Age-Related Macular Degeneration is the most common cause of irreversible vision loss in adults over 55. Far more people are affected by ARMD than glaucoma, retinal detachment or tumors.
Until recently focal laser treatment was the only effective way to halt progression of the wet-form of ARMD. That's the dangerous type caused by abnormal blood vessels sprouting underneath the retina. Laser energy destroys retinal tissue to obliterate the vessels, a terrible tradeoff.
Advances in medical therapy have revolutionized the treatment approach to ARMD. Here's a rundown:
Visudyne (Verteporfin, Novartis) was first. It is a light-stimulated drug that attacks the abnormal vessels.
Macugen (Pegaptanib, OSI/Eyetech) and Lucentis (Ranibizumab, Genentech/Novartis) are genetically-engineered antibodies that attack the protein responsible for the abnormal blood vessels. Macugen is already being prescribed. Lucentis is pending final FDA approval.
Heard of Avastin (Bevacizumab, Genentech)? It is a popular chemotherapy for colon cancer. The active drug in Avastin is chemically similar to Lucentis except it is already available for use. Some ophthalmologists are now offering Avastin injections to their ARMD patients as an "off-label" alternative. Oh, one other thing, Avastin costs $5.50 per milligram whereas Macugen is a whopping $3,300.00 per milligram. You read right, $3,300.00! Expect to hear more about this controversial subject.
Further up the FDA new drug pipeline there are three other promising ARMD therapies:
We'll talk more about these newer drugs as they get closer to the medical marketplace.
Just remember, there are options for patients with advanced ARMD. Don't hesitate to ask your eye doctor, "What's new?" The answer may surprise you!
Related Topics: New Macular Degeneration Drug Improves Sight, New Drug Slows Wet Macular Degeneration
Technorati Tags: macular degeneration, medication, vision
Until recently focal laser treatment was the only effective way to halt progression of the wet-form of ARMD. That's the dangerous type caused by abnormal blood vessels sprouting underneath the retina. Laser energy destroys retinal tissue to obliterate the vessels, a terrible tradeoff.
Advances in medical therapy have revolutionized the treatment approach to ARMD. Here's a rundown:
Visudyne (Verteporfin, Novartis) was first. It is a light-stimulated drug that attacks the abnormal vessels.
Macugen (Pegaptanib, OSI/Eyetech) and Lucentis (Ranibizumab, Genentech/Novartis) are genetically-engineered antibodies that attack the protein responsible for the abnormal blood vessels. Macugen is already being prescribed. Lucentis is pending final FDA approval.
Heard of Avastin (Bevacizumab, Genentech)? It is a popular chemotherapy for colon cancer. The active drug in Avastin is chemically similar to Lucentis except it is already available for use. Some ophthalmologists are now offering Avastin injections to their ARMD patients as an "off-label" alternative. Oh, one other thing, Avastin costs $5.50 per milligram whereas Macugen is a whopping $3,300.00 per milligram. You read right, $3,300.00! Expect to hear more about this controversial subject.
Further up the FDA new drug pipeline there are three other promising ARMD therapies:
- Retaane (Anecortave acetate, Alcon)
- Envizon (Squalamine lactate, Genaera)
- Combretastatin (Synthetic CA4, OXiGENE)
We'll talk more about these newer drugs as they get closer to the medical marketplace.
Just remember, there are options for patients with advanced ARMD. Don't hesitate to ask your eye doctor, "What's new?" The answer may surprise you!
Related Topics: New Macular Degeneration Drug Improves Sight, New Drug Slows Wet Macular Degeneration
Technorati Tags: macular degeneration, medication, vision
