pegpleranib + ranibizumab

Pegpleranib + ranibizumab is a combination therapy developed for the treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). Pegpleranib (Fovista) is an aptamer that targets platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB), inhibiting its binding to the PDGF receptor beta on pericytes. This action strips pericytes from abnormal blood vessels, potentially making them more susceptible to anti-VEGF therapy. Ranibizumab (Lucentis) is a monoclonal antibody fragment that inhibits vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A), thereby reducing angiogenesis and vascular permeability in the retina. The rationale for combining these agents was to target both VEGF-driven angiogenesis and PDGF-mediated vessel stabilization in nAMD. However, pivotal Phase III trials failed to demonstrate superiority of this combination over ranibizumab monotherapy in improving visual acuity outcomes[1][3][4][9]. Earlier phase studies suggested some benefit, but these were not confirmed in larger trials[7].

Brand names

Fovista + Lucentis

Other names

pegpleranib and ranibizumab combinationanti-PDGF aptamer plus anti-VEGF antibody combination