Pegaptanib serves as a selective vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) antagonist, employed to address neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration. This polynucleotide aptamer is designed to bind to VEGF, reducing both angiogenesis and vessel permeability, particularly for neovascular age-related macular degeneration cases. By targeting VEGF, which activates its receptors on vascular endothelial cells, pegaptanib mitigates processes like angiogenesis, increased vascular permeability, and inflammation that contribute to the progression of wet age-related macular degeneration, a significant cause of vision impairment. Pegaptanib's selectivity for VEGF165, a key isoform of VEGF-A responsible for pathological effects in wet AMD, inhibits its binding to receptors, thereby impeding the advancement of the condition without affecting the physiological isoform VEGF121. This treatment approach is especially effective for patients with conditions like wet AMD, where VEGF-A levels are elevated and contribute to disease progression.

Pegaptanib Pathway References