Macugen
Macugen was the first FDA approved injectable medication to block the effects of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor, (VEGF). VEGF is implicated in the development and progression of wet macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and macular edema. VEGF not only promotes the growth of new abnormal blood vessels but increases the permeability of existing vessels leading to leakage. By blocking VEGF, Macugen can, in some cases, improve outcomes in patients with a broad variety of retinal and macular diseases. The physicians at Retina Group of Florida have extensive experience with the use of Macugen and were amongst the first physicians to use Macugen in the clinical trials prior to FDA approval. While, newer agents such as Lucentis and Avastin, have been developed since the approval of Macugens, it continues to have a role in the management of a variety of retinal and macular conditions.
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