Pegaptanib

Pegaptanib and ranibizumab

Two new drugs, pegaptanib and ranibizumab, have been shown to improve vision or slow the progression wet type AMD. Both drugs prevent the action of vascular endothelial growth factor—pegaptanib as an oligonucleotide and ranibizumab as a monocloncal antibody—thereby decreasing angiogenesis in the eye.

Both drugs are thus indicated for the treatment of wet type AMD. Both drugs are administered intravitreally.

Adverse effects are related with the intravitreal administration of both drugs and include increased intraocular pressure and local bleeding and infection.

Compare the mechanisms of pegaptanib and ranibizumab with those of drugs used in oncology such as bevacizumab, erlotinib, sunitinib/sorafenib, and imatinib. You may consult the EPARs of pegaptanib and ranibizumab.