OSI Pharmaceuticals summarizes positive Macugen data at ophthalmology meeting

By Elaine Rigoli

Tampa, Fla., May 4 - OSI Pharmaceuticals, Inc. provided an informational update summarizing highlights from presentations made regarding Macugen (pegaptanib sodium injection) at this year's Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology annual meeting held from April 30 to May 4 in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Two preliminary studies that examine the sequential use of a non-selective anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) therapy followed by Macugen therapy to address long-term safety and clinical benefit considerations for patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) showed promising indications of activity.

Another study provides support to the hypothesis that Macugen may be more effective as primary therapy in neovascular AMD patients with early lesions.

Additional presentations included studies of Medicare data, which show that patients over age 65 with neovascular AMD have significantly more co-morbid conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, lipid disorders, stroke and heart attack, compared to those who do not have neovascular AMD.

Promising early data demonstrating the potential utility of Macugen in the treatment of diabetic retinopathy, a common debilitating complication of diabetes that can lead to blindness, was also presented, the company said.

OSI, based in New York, develops pharmaceutical products that extend life or improve the quality of life for patients with cancer, eye diseases, and diabetes.

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