Inhibitors of ocular neovascularization: promises and potential problems.

OLECULAR MEDICINE OFFERS PROMISE FOR THE preventionofvisionlosscausedbyocularneovascularization in diabetic retinopathy and exudative age-related macular degeneration (ARMD). During the past decade, significant advances have been made in angiogenesis research, such that the understanding about new vessel formation in disease has increased considerably. This knowledge has led to the development of numerous inhibitors of angiogenesis. Among a host of novel therapeutics for ocular neovascularization, 2 inhibitorsoftheangiogenicagentvascularendothelialgrowth factor (VEGF)—pegaptanib sodium and ranibizumab— are poised for imminent clinical application. However, the need for repeated intraocular injection of these agents and thepotentialforlocalandsystemicadverseeffectsmaypose hurdles for these emerging therapies. Conventional Treatments Have Limitations

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