VEGF Trap-Eye to begin Phase III clinical trials

Currently, patients suffering from myopic macular degeneration due to choroidal neovascularization (CNV) have no well-established treatment options. Bayer HealthCare and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals have announced the Phase III clinical trial to investigate the efficacy and safety of VEGF Trap-Eye for treatment of myopic CNV. Myopic CNV is a complication of high myopia (near-sightedness).? Degenerative changes in the retinal lining of the eye cause abnormal blood vessels to grow and leak blood and fluid into the retina. This can cause a loss of vision. The Phase III clinical trial hopes to show the efficacy of VEGF Trap-Eye in treating myopic CNV. Three out of four patients in the trial will receive an injection of VEGF Trap-Eye in the affected eye with additional injections on an as needed basis. One out of four patients will receive a fake injection. After 24 weeks, the two groups will be evaluated by a team of doctors who are unaware of which treatment the patients received. VEGF Trap-Eye has proven its efficacy in treating wet age-related macular degeneration. Additional trials to determine its efficacy as a possible treatment for central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) and diabetic macular edema are either under way or in planning stages.* Elise Ervin Staff Writer