The role of aflibercept in the management of diabetic macular edema

Andrew A Chang; Thomas Hong; Shaun Y Ewe; Bobak Bahrami; Geoffrey K Broadhead

doi:10.2147/DDDT.S62778

The role of aflibercept in the management of diabetic macular edema

Drug Des Devel Ther. 2015 Aug 6:9:4389-96. doi: 10.2147/DDDT.S62778. eCollection 2015.

Authors

Andrew A Chang¹, Thomas Hong², Shaun Y Ewe², Bobak Bahrami², Geoffrey K Broadhead¹

Affiliations

¹ Sydney Institute of Vision Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia ; Sydney Retina Clinic and Day Surgery, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia ; Save Sight Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
² Sydney Institute of Vision Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia ; Sydney Retina Clinic and Day Surgery, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.

Abstract

Diabetic macular edema (DME) represents one of the leading causes of visual impairment in working-age adults. Although there are several proven treatments available for this condition, pharmacotherapy through the use of intravitreal antivascular endothelial growth factor agents has revolutionized the management of DME over the past decade with superior outcomes compared to laser therapy. This review summarizes the pathophysiology and available treatment options for the management of DME, with an emphasis on the efficacy and safety profile of a single particular intravitreal antivascular endothelial growth factor agent, aflibercept.

Keywords: aflibercept; diabetic macular edema.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Adult
Animals
Diabetic Retinopathy / drug therapy*
Diabetic Retinopathy / physiopathology
Humans
Intravitreal Injections
Macular Edema / drug therapy*
Macular Edema / physiopathology
Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor / adverse effects
Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor / pharmacology
Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor / therapeutic use*
Recombinant Fusion Proteins / adverse effects
Recombinant Fusion Proteins / pharmacology
Recombinant Fusion Proteins / therapeutic use*
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / antagonists & inhibitors

Substances

Recombinant Fusion Proteins
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
aflibercept
Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor