Biologic
RCSB PDB 1FLT
Aflibercept
Eylea
- Mechanism of action
- VEGF-A / PlGF trap (fusion protein)
- In plain language
- A lab-made trap protein that soaks up VEGF and PlGF, two signals that tell blood vessels in the eye to grow abnormally and leak, before they can reach their targets.
- How it works
- Aflibercept is a recombinant fusion protein combining the ligand-binding domains of human VEGF receptors 1 and 2 with the Fc region of human IgG1. It functions as a high-affinity soluble decoy receptor, binding VEGF-A and placental growth factor with greater affinity than their native receptors, thereby preventing receptor activation. By sequestering these ligands, aflibercept inhibits endothelial cell proliferation, neovascularization, and vascular permeability in the retina. It is administered via intravitreal injection directly into the eye, allowing localized, sustained suppression of angiogenic signaling.
- Therapeutic applications
- FDA-indicated for neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration, macular edema following retinal vein occlusion, diabetic macular edema, diabetic retinopathy, and retinopathy of prematurity.
- Class
- Fusion protein
- Therapeutic area
- Ophthalmology
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