Three different treatments for wet age-related macular degeneration – which one do I choose?

This is the third in a series of 3 posts about different treatments for Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration,

Eylea – a challenger to the throne

Eylea or aflibercept is a recombinant fusion protein that inhibits two vascular endothelial growth factor types and placental growth factor, which are molecules thought to be responsible for the new leaking blood vessels that develop from the choroid under the retina in wet age-related macular degeneration.

Eylea is licensed and FDA approved like Lucentis for eye use (unlike Avastin). It is also given by intravitreal injection like Avastin and Lucentis. One of its main advantages however, is that it can trap circulating VEGF for longer periods and can be given by intravitreal injection every 2 months. The first 3 injections are still given every month however.

The VIEW 1 and VIEW 2 studies were conducted to see if Eylea was as effective as Lucentis and the results showed fairly equal clinical effectiveness in the treatment of wet age-related macular degeneration.

Eylea also had a good safety profile compared to Lucentis. It has also been approved by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) like Lucentis so UK NHS retinal specialists have a choice of two treatments for wet age related macular degeneration at present.

So where now?

The main debates still rage on..

  • Is Avastin just as good as Lucentis and Eylea and if so should we use it because it’s cheaper?
  • Is Lucentis the best option because it has used so widely and for so long?
  • Is Eylea better than Lucentis because patients may receive less eye injections in their course of treatment?

Some patients also respond better to one medicine compared to another and it is not uncommon to switch treatment.

The simplest answer for you is to be fully assessed for your age-related macular degeneration and I can discuss which treatment option I think is best for you. Please feel free to call me on 07919 895 448 and I would be happy to chat some more.