Eylea (Aflibercept)

Eylea is an FDA approved injectable medication that blocks the effects of Vascular Endothelial Derived Growth Factor, (VEGF). It works by a similar mechanism as Lucentis and Avastin, but is a fusion protein that blocks receptors for the VEGF molecule instead working as an antibody to the VEGF molecule itself. VEGF is implicated in the development and progression of wet macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and macular edema. VEGF not only promotes the growth of new abnormal blood vessels, but increases permeability of existing vessels leading to leakage. By blocking the effects of VEGF, Eylea can in some cases improve outcomes in patients with a broad variety of retinal and macular diseases. The physicians at the Retina Group of Florida have extensive experience with Eylea and all other anti-VEGF drugs, including Macugen, Lucentis, and Avastin. The Retina Group of Florida participated in all the major clinical trials over the past 15years that have lead to the FDA approval of this class of drugs.