OSI Eyetech

OSI Eyetech was a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the development and commercialization of therapies for ocular diseases, most notably retinal vascular disorders. The entity was formed in 2005 when OSI Pharmaceuticals acquired Eyetech Pharmaceuticals, the developer of Macugen (pegaptanib sodium). Macugen made history as the first anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) treatment approved by the FDA for wet age-related macular degeneration. The company utilized a proprietary aptamer technology platform to target specific proteins involved in disease progression. Despite its pioneering role, the company faced intense competition from subsequent anti-VEGF entries like Lucentis. OSI Pharmaceuticals eventually divested the Eyetech business in 2008 before OSI itself was acquired by Astellas Pharma.