Progress of Aflibercept of clinical application for neovascular age-related macular degeneration

Aflibercept is a recombinant human fusion protein that acts as a soluble decoy receptor for vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)family members. VEGF-A, VEGF-B and placental growth factor(PLGF)were included in VEGF family that could inhibit downstream signalling mediated by these ligands. Aflibercept binds to all isoforms of VEGF-A with high affinity, and presented a markedly higher affinity compared with ranibizumab or bevacizumab. Intravitreal injection aflibercept has been approved for the treatment of patients with age-related macular degeneration(ARMD). Numerous studies showed it could improve best corrected visual acuity(BCVA), reduce macular edema and with fewer complications that has been another choice for ARMD patients. However, studies of participation time with large sample are lacking, and relevant studies are limited in China. Contribution in clinical efficacy, advancement in selection and use of medicines, safety and limitations with aflibercept will be here summarized.