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FDA Approves Eylea (aflibercept) for treatment of wet AMD

The US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has announced the approval of Eylea (aflibercept, formerly VEGF Trap Eye) for the treatment of neovascular age related macular degeneration (AMD). The drug is a recombinant fusion protein consisting of portions of human VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor) receptors 1 and 2 extracellular domains fused to the Fc portion of human IgG1, specifically purified and formulated for injection into the eye and capable of binding all forms of (VEGF-A) and Placental Growth Factor (PlGF). The drug acts as a soluble decoy receptor binding VEGF-A and PIGF thereby inhibiting the binding and activation of the cognate VEGF receptors. Developed and launched by Regeneron (Tarrytown, New York; NASDAQ:REGN) the drug now provides an approved choice for clinicians treating wet AMD and is set to compete directly with Genentech/Roche’s Lucentis.