Anti-VEGF are drugs used in the treatment of diseases such as macular edema, retinal vein occlusion, diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Anti-VEGF treatment enhances vision in approximately one out of three people who use it.
With the approvals from the FDA for products in the pipeline as well as the increasing activities of research & development, the anti-VEGF sector is expected to reach a value of USD 13,812.62 million by the end of this decade.
Additionally, because of the economic efficiency and accessibility of various biosimilars, the EMA and the USFDA are likely to approve a large number of biosimilars for clinical utilization in the years to come. Therefore, creating opportunities for CDMOs and biosimilar manufacturing businesses.
Let’s explore some of the diseases where anti-VEGF is used in the treatment:
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
AMD is one of the major reasons for vision loss, as per the National Library of Medicine, by 2040, around 300 million individuals across the globe are likely to have AMD. Anti-VEGF injection therapy has been active in treating a disease that was considered untreatable before.
Over the past few decades, various studies have shown the effectiveness of various anti-VEGF and studied the ideal dosing routine and applying mechanisms to increase overall vision and lessen patient suffering.
AMD is an illness that grows very slowly. It is also possible that individuals are suffering from early AMD, which is not easily noticeable. Therefore, it is essential to get regular eye check-ups to identify if he/she has AMD.
Diabetic Macular Edema (DME)
VEGF plays an essential role in the growth of diabetic macular edema, the major cause of vision loss among the working-age population. A decade of clinical trials revealed that medicines that bind soluble VEGF treat macular edema, restore the veracity of the blood-retinal blockade, and recover vision in most cases with diabetic macular edema.
Four drugs, including ranibizumab, aflibercept, pegaptanib, and bevacizumab efficiently treat diabetic macular edema when directed by intravitreal injections. Only ranibizumab has got FDA approval for diabetic macular edema, however, bevacizumab is more often utilized off-label, and an aflibercept has not yet been approved by the FDA.
Diabetic Retinopathy (DR)
Vascular endothelial growth factor also plays an important role in the growth of proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Over the last few years, anti-VEGF agents have developed as new approaches to the treatment of such distressing diabetic problems.
Though Phase III studies in the diabetic populace are needed, intravitreal anti-VEGF treatment is presently being utilized in clinical practice. Intravitreal injection is an effective way of carrying anti-VEGF medicines to the retina.
Still, this is a complex method allied with possibly serious issues, for instance, retinal detachment or endophthalmitis which can be important for patients necessitating serial treatment over many years.
With the surging incidence of ophthalmic illnesses such as macular edema, retinal vein occlusion, diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration, and increasing research and development activities on these therapeutics, the anti-VEGF sector will continue to advance in the years to come.