Macugen shows potential against diabetic retinopathy, CRVO-related macular edema

Pegaptanib has shown efficacy as a treatment for diabetic retinopathy and macular edema after central retinal vein occlusion, according to results of two studies presented at a recent meeting.

John A. Wells, MD, and colleagues investigated Macugen (pegaptanib sodium, OSI/Pfizer) as a treatment against macular edema after central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO). Dr. Wells presented preliminary results from the study at the joint American Society of Retinal Specialists and European Vitreoretinal Society Congress in Cannes, France.

Investigators found that patients who received Macugen achieved had better visual outcomes and anatomical results than those receiving a sham injection. No serious adverse events were reported, and the drug showed a safety profile consistent with its use in treating exudative age-related macular degeneration, according to a press release from Pfizer.

Victor Hugo Gonzalez, MD, also presented data from a double-masked, randomized trial investigating Macugen as a treatment for diabetic macular edema and underlying diabetic retinopathy. Compared to sham-treated patients, those treated with Macugen achieved better visual acuity and showed a reduction in central corneal thickness. Macugen-treated patients also experienced a regression of neovascularization as well as decreased severity of retinopathy, according to the release.