| Indication |
The opthalmic agent is used for the treatment of neovascular (wet) age-related mascular degeneration (AMD) and macular edema following central retinal vein occulsion (CRVO). The systemic injection, known as ziv-aflibercept, in combination with 5-fluorouracil, leucovorin, irinotecan-(FOLFIRI), is for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer that is resistant to or progressed following treatment with oxaliplatin. |
| Mechanism of action |
Ablibercept is a recombinant fusion protein that acts as a decoy receptor for the ligands, vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) and placental growth factor (PIGF). It prevents these ligands to binding to endothelial receptors, VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2, to suppress neovascularization and decrease vascular permeability. This ultimately will slow vision loss or the progression of metastatic colorectal cancer. |
| Absorption |
In patients with wet AMD and CRVO, the mean peak plasma concentration (Cmax) was 0.02 mcg/mL and 0.05 mcg/mL respectively. These concentrations were reached in 1 to 3 days. Aflibercept did not accumulate when administered as repeated doses intravitreally every 4 weeks. |
| Protein binding |
Not Available |
| Biotransformation |
Because aflibercept is a protein, it is expected to be broken down via proteolysis into smaller peptides and amino acids. The cytochrome P450 enzyme system is not involved in the metabolism of aflibercept. |
| Route of elimination |
Aflibercept is eliminated through target-mediated deposition via binding to free endogenous VEGF and metabolism via proteolysis. |
| Toxicity |
For all intravitreal VEGF inhibitors, there is increased risk of stroke and myocardial infarction. An increase in intraocular pressure may also occur. When used intravenously, most common adverse reactions were leukopenia, diarrhea, neutropenia, proteinuria, AST increased, stomatitis, fatigue, thrombocytopenia, ALT increased, hypertension, weight decreased, decreased appetite, epistaxis, abdominal pain, dysphonia, serum creatinine increased, and headache. |
| Affected organisms |
|