The clinical trial is being conducted in patients with the neovascular or “wet” form of age related macular degeneration (wet AMD), a degenerative condition that is a major cause of severe vision impairment and blindness in adults over 55.
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a naturally occurring protein in the body that has been associated with the abnormal growth, leakiness, and fragility of new blood vessels; important factors in the development of wet AMD. Results from preclinical studies show that VEGF can be stopped by using a VEGF trap to block its actions.
The current study is designed to assess the safety and tolerability of VEGF trap in patients with wet AMD. In the initial part of the trial, patients will receive a single dose of the VEGF trap delivered by intravitreal injection directly into the eye. Patients will then be evaluated for three months to measure the durability of effects and provide guidance for dosing regimens to be used in future trials.
“Blocking VEGF is a validated approach in treating wet AMD, and the VEGF trap blocks all forms of VEGF-A with extremely high affinity,” said Jesse Cedarbaum, vice president of clinical affairs at Regeneron. “This trial is another significant step forward in further exploring the potential benefit the VEGF trap can provide to patients suffering from wet AMD and other eye diseases.”
Regeneron’s share price increased by nearly 5% following the announcement of the new clinical investigation.