topical ranibizumab

Topical ranibizumab is an investigational formulation of the recombinant humanized monoclonal antibody fragment (Fab) ranibizumab, being developed by the University of California, Irvine for the treatment of port-wine stain (PWS) birthmarks. Ranibizumab is a potent inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A), which plays a critical role in angiogenesis and the maintenance of vascular structures. In the context of PWS, the drug is applied topically following pulsed dye laser (PDL) therapy. The rationale is that PDL selectively destroys the abnormal capillary network of the birthmark, but the subsequent inflammatory response often triggers VEGF-mediated revascularization and vessel regrowth. By inhibiting VEGF-A, topical ranibizumab aims to prevent this regrowth, thereby enhancing the blanching and therapeutic efficacy of the laser treatment.

Other names

ranibizumabtopical ranibizumab