Products
Aflibercept is marketed as an injectable (Eylea). It was approved in many countries in 2012.
Structure and properties
Aflibercept (C4318H6788N1164O1304S32) is a recombinant fusion protein consisting of the extracellular portions of human VEGF receptor 1 and 2 coupled to the Fc receptor of human IgG1.
Effects
Aflibercept (ATC S01LA05) binds the growth factors VEGF-A (vascular endothelial growth factor-A) and PlGF (placental growth factor), which contribute to blood vessel formation and increased vascular permeability. It is a soluble receptor for the two growth factors and serves as a “decoy” to inactivate them.
Indications
- Exudative (wet) age-related macular degeneration.
- Macular edema secondary to central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO).
- Macular edema secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO).
- Diabetic macular edema (DME).
- Treatment of subfoveal and juxtafoveal choroidal neovascularization due to pathologic myopia (mCNV).
Dosage
According to the professional information. The drug is administered intravitreally, that is, into the vitreous humor of the eye.
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity
- Infections in the eye or in the area around the eye
- Acute inflammation of the eye
For complete precautions, see the drug label.
Interactions
There are no known interactions with other drugs.
Adverse effects
The most common possible adverse effects include conjunctival hemorrhage, eye pain, cataracts, vitreous detachment, mouches volantes, and increased intraocular pressure.