Intravitreal anti-VEGF agents
Proteins injected into the eye that block VEGF, the signal behind the leaky new vessels of wet macular degeneration and diabetic eye disease.
What they are
Biological medicines given by intravitreal injection. They treat diseases in which the retina makes too much vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A): wet age-related macular degeneration, diabetic macular oedema and retinopathy, and macular oedema after retinal vein occlusion.
Mechanism of action
VEGF-A makes endothelial cells divide and makes vessels leaky. Anti-VEGF agents bind VEGF-A before it reaches its receptors: ranibizumab is an antibody fragment, aflibercept a soluble decoy receptor built from parts of VEGF receptors 1 and 2. Less VEGF signalling means less new-vessel growth, less leakage and less macular oedema.
Target: Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) in the retina
Drugs in this class
- AfliberceptA decoy receptor injected into the eye. It soaks up VEGF so fewer leaky vessels grow in wet macular degeneration and…VEGF-A (and placental growth factor), bound as a soluble decoy
- RanibizumabAn antibody fragment injected into the eye that binds VEGF-A and slows the leaky vessels of wet macular degeneration…VEGF-A (vascular endothelial growth factor A)
Others in the class
- Bevacizumab (used off-label in the eye)
- Brolucizumab
- Faricimab (also blocks angiopoietin-2)
Test yourself
Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.
Which growth factor do intravitreal anti-VEGF agents block?
Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A).
What are the two main risks of the injection itself?
Endophthalmitis and a rise in intraocular pressure.
How does aflibercept differ structurally from ranibizumab?
Aflibercept is a fusion protein made of VEGF receptor parts (a decoy receptor); ranibizumab is an antibody fragment.
Educational content on how drugs work; not a prescribing guide and no substitute for a health professional's advice. No doses are given.
Sources: Aflibercept Injection: MedlinePlus Drug Information (MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine), 2026); Ranibizumab Injection: MedlinePlus Drug Information (MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine), 2026); ATCDDD - ATC/DDD Index (WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology, 2026).
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Representative model, for educational purposes only.