Pegaptanib

Pegaptanib is a medication that is prescribed for treating "wet" macular degeneration, a serious eye condition that is associated with aging. The drug can slow down vision loss and macular damage by preventing abnormal blood vessel growth in the back of the eye. Pegaptanib is injected into the eye every six weeks by a healthcare provider. Side effects include eye pain, blurred vision, and eye redness.

Pegaptanib Sodium Injection

What Is Pegaptanib?

Pegaptanib sodium (Macugen^®) is a prescription medication used to treat age-related wet macular degeneration, a condition of the eye that can lead to blindness. Wet macular degeneration (as opposed to dry) is a less common but more damaging form of the disease.

(Click What Is Pegaptanib Used For? for more information, including possible off-label uses.)

Who Makes Pegaptanib?

Pegaptanib is made jointly by Eyetech, Inc. and Pfizer.

How Does Pegaptanib Work?

Age-related wet macular degeneration is caused by abnormal blood vessel growth in the back of the eye. The blood vessels grow behind the retina, underneath the macula (a part of the retina that is essential for detailed vision). These new blood vessels are not normal and are weak and prone to leaking. Leaking causes damage to the macula, which causes "wet" macular degeneration.

Pegaptanib is a molecule that is designed to bind to and inhibit vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). VEGF is a naturally occurring protein that encourages the growth of new blood vessels (including the abnormal blood vessels in wet macular degeneration). By binding to VEGF, pegaptanib prevents this protein from encouraging new blood vessel growth. This helps to slow down (or even reverse) vision loss and macular damage.

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