All are Anti – VEGF EXCEPT:
**Core Concept:** Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors (VEGF) are a group of drugs that block the effects of vascular endothelial growth factor proteins, which play a crucial role in angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels). Anti-VEGF agents are used to treat various conditions characterized by abnormal angiogenesis, such as wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic macular edema (DME), and retinal vein occlusion (RVO).
**Why the Correct Answer is Right:** Option C, Eylea, is an anti-VEGF drug developed by Regeneron Pharmaceuticals. It is a recombinant humanized monoclonal antibody fragment that binds to both VEGF-A and placental growth factor (PGF). By blocking the effects of these proteins, Eylea helps to reduce the leakage from abnormal blood vessels in various retinal diseases.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect:**
A. Avastin (Option D) is also an anti-VEGF drug developed by Genentech, a biotechnology company. However, it is a humanized monoclonal antibody fragment (not a recombinant) and is used off-label for retinal diseases.
B. Lucentis (Option B) is another anti-VEGF drug developed by Genentech. It also binds to VEGF-A and PGF, and is approved for the treatment of wet AMD and DME.
C. Bevacizumab (Option A) is a human monoclonal antibody fragment that binds to VEGF-A and is used off-label for retinal diseases. It is typically used for cancer treatment and is more expensive than Avastin and Lucentis.
**Clinical Pearl:** While all the options are anti-VEGF drugs, Eylea is the only one approved for the treatment of wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic macular edema (DME). Bevacizumab and Avastin are off-label uses, making them less reliable and potentially more expensive than Lucentis and Eylea.