The emerging role of the Angiopoietin-Tie pathway as therapeutic target for treating retinal diseases.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

Several approaches have been investigated for treating wet age-related macular degeneration (w-AMD), diabetic macular edema (DME) and retinal vein occlusions (RVOs). The first-line treatment for these exudative retinal diseases consists of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents; however, the high treatment burden and the percentage of 'non responder' patients have highlighted the need for other approaches. Increasing evidence has shown the role of angiopoietin/Tie (Ang/Tie) pathway in the pathogenesis of these exudative retinal diseases; therefore, novel drugs targeting this pathway are under evaluation in clinical trials.

AREAS COVERED:

We analyzed the novel, emerging drugs (ARP- 1536, the coformulation of aflibercept and nesvacumab, AXT107 and AKB-9778) that target the Ang/Tie pathway. These drugs are still in early phase clinical trials, but encouraging outcomes have emerged. We also discuss the clinical efficacy of faricimab, a bispecific monoclonal antibody that inhibits VEGF-A and Ang-2.

EXPERT OPINION:

The simultaneous targeting of the VEGF and Ang/Tie pathways may be more beneficial than monotherapy in patients with exudative retinal diseases. Among the investigational drugs targeting the Ang/Tie pathway, faricimab has shown promising results in phase II/III trials and in the near future may represent a viable treatment option for the management of exudative macular diseases.

• Authors: Lorenzo Ferro Desideri, Carlo Enrico Traverso, Massimo Nicolò
• Journal: Expert opinion on therapeutic targets (Expert Opin Ther Targets) Vol. 26 Issue 2 Pg. 145-154 (02 2022) ISSN: 1744-7631 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 35098845 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Angiogenesis Inhibitors
• Angiopoietins

Topics

• Angiogenesis Inhibitors
• Angiopoietins (metabolism, therapeutic use)
• Diabetic Retinopathy (drug therapy)
• Humans
• Macular Edema (drug therapy)
• Retinal Diseases (drug therapy)