VEGF decoy receptor (VEGF trap)
A soluble receptor that catches the ligand before the real one can
- Also traps placental growth factor
- Fusion of VEGFR-1/2 binding domains on an Fc backbone — binds VEGF-A, VEGF-B and PlGF with sub-picomolar affinity
- Traps the ligand in solution; vessel growth and leak signaling never start
- aflibercept (EYLEA, intravitreal); the IV oncology product is ziv-aflibercept (ZALTRAP)
- Starves pathologic vessels → ↓ wet macular degeneration and tumor growth
- Same axis as the anti-VEGF mAbs (ranibizumab, faricimab) — different molecular strategy
- Hypertension, bleeding and impaired wound healing
Drugs with this mechanism (1)
- Aflibercept — Intravitreal VEGF decoy receptor for macular degeneration and retinal edema.
Self-check
- Which growth factor besides VEGF-A and VEGF-B is trapped?
Placental growth factor (PlGF). - Which aflibercept product is used IV in oncology?
Ziv-aflibercept (ZALTRAP).
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