Regeneron's VEGF Trap demonstrates positive preliminary results for macular degeneration

By Lisa Kerner

Erie, Pa., Feb. 2 - Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. said patients in its ongoing phase 1 dose

escalation study of the Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Trap eye formulation (VEGF Trap - Eye) have shown rapid, substantial and prolonged reductions in retinal thickness.

VEGF is a naturally occurring protein in the body that triggers formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis) to support the growth of tissues and organs. The VEGF Trap is designed to prevent the formation of new blood vessels that play an important role in eye diseases.

The 18 patients in the study with the neovascular form of age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD) received a single dose of the VEGF Trap at levels up to 2 milligrams intravitreally (direct injection into the eye), according to a company news release.

A maximum tolerated dose has not been reached, and there has been no evidence of ocular inflammation. Additional patients are now being tested at the 4 mg dose level.

Patients are being followed for three months after dosing, said the company.

Age-related macular degeneration is a major cause of vision loss and blindness in older Americans, said officials.

Results of the study will be discussed in a presentation on Feb. 3, at the Angiogenesis 2006 symposium sponsored by the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.

Regeneron is a biopharmaceutical company based in Tarrytown, N.Y.

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