Drug Combo better than Lucentis alone for Wet Macular Degeneration

In a recent phase 2 clinical trial, Ophthotech corporation found that its Fovista anti-PDGF therapy used in conjunction with traditional Lucentis anti-VEGF therapy was superior over Lucentis therapy alone for treating wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Wet AMD is characterized by growth of new blood vessels in the macula that leads to sudden and substantial loss of central vision. Fovista inhibits a platelet-derived growth factor known as PDGF-B, a process which then inhibits abnormal neovascularization. Patients with Wet AMD receiving both Fovista and Lucentis therapy gained 62% more vision compared to those receiving only Lucentis, demonstrating the effectiveness of using PDGF as a target for treating Wet AMD. Samir Patel, M.D., Co-Founder, President and Chief Executive Officer of Ophthotech, hopes that subsequent clinical trials validate the current findings and that Fovista becomes available to the public in the near future. “Based on these results, Ophthotech plans to expedite the preparation of a Phase 3 registration program with the goal of bringing Fovista anti-PDGF therapy to patients with wet AMD as soon as possible.”*