Macugen

Macugen is a prescription drug that is licensed for treating a serious eye condition called age-related wet macular degeneration. Regular use of the drug can help slow down the rate of vision loss and macular damage. It is injected into the eye every six weeks by a healthcare provider. Potential side effects of Macugen include eye pain or redness, blurred vision, and burning sensations in the eye.

 

What Is Macugen?

Macugen® (pegaptanib sodium) is a prescription medication used to treat age-related wet macular degeneration, a condition of the eye that can lead to blindness. Wet macular degeneration (as opposed to dry) is a less common but more damaging form of the disease.
 
(Click Macugen Uses for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes Macugen?

Macugen is made jointly by Eyetech, Inc. and Pfizer.
 

How Does Macugen Work?

Age-related wet macular degeneration is caused by abnormal blood vessel growth in the back of the eye. The blood vessels grow behind the retina, underneath the macula (a part of the retina that is essential for detailed vision). These new blood vessels are not normal and are weak and prone to leaking. Leaking causes damage to the macula, which causes "wet" macular degeneration.
 
Macugen is a molecule that is designed to bind to and inhibit vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). VEGF is a naturally occurring protein that encourages the growth of new blood vessels (including abnormal blood vessels in wet macular degeneration). By binding to VEGF, Macugen prevents this protein from encouraging new blood vessel growth. This helps to slow down (or even reverse) vision loss and macular damage.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;