Methods and compositions for treating macular degeneration
This invention relates to methods of treating age-related macular degeneration (AMD). In particular, this invention provides methods of treating all forms of wet, age-related macular degeneration. The method of the invention is directed to the administration of an anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) compound to treat wet AMD.
1 . A method for treating macular degeneration comprising administering 0.1-3.0 mg of an anti-VEGF aptamer locally into the eye wherein the treatment is effective to treat occult, minimally classic, and predominantly classic forms of wet macular degeneration, wherein the aptamer is
Ligand Component=fCmGmGrArAfUfCmAmGfUmGmAmAfUmGfCfUfUmAfUmAfCmAfUfCfCmG-3′3′•(VEGF ligand)
2 . A method according to claim 1 wherein the aptamer is administered by intravitreous injection.
3 . A method according to claim 1 wherein the aptamer is administered every 4-6 weeks.
4 . A method according to claim 3 wherein the treatment is continued for a period of at least one year.
5 . A method according to claim 4 wherein the therapeutically effective amount is about 0.1-1.0 mg.
6 . A method according to claim 4 wherein the therapeutically effective amount is about 0.3 mg.
7 . A method according to claim 1 further comprising administering phototherapy.
8 . A method of treating macular degeneration comprising administering an anti-VEGF aptamer, in an amount effective to achieve a maximum concentration of said aptamer in plasma of less than about 8 ng/ml wherein the treatment is effective to treat occult, minimally classic, and predominantly classic forms of wet macular degeneration, wherein the anti-VEGF aptamer is
Ligand Component =fCmGmGrArAfUfCmAmGfUmGmAmAfUmGfCfUfUmAfUmAfCmAfUfCfCmG-3′3′•(VEGF ligand)
9 . A method according to claim 8 wherein the therapeutically effective amount is about 0.1-1.0 mg.
10 . A method according to claim 8 , wherein the therapeutically effective amount is from about 0.1 mg to about 3.0 mg.
11 . A method according to claim 8 , wherein the therapeutically effective amount is about 1.0 mg.
12 . A method according to claim 8 , wherein the therapeutically effective amount is about 0.3 mg.
13 . A method according to claim 12 wherein the aptamer is administered every 4-6 weeks.
14 . A pharmaceutical formulation comprising
an anti-VEGF aptamer; and
a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier formulation for local administration into the eye,
wherein the aptamer is
Ligand Component =fCmGmGrArAfUfCmAmGfUmGmAmAfUmGfCfUfUmAfUmAfCmAfUfCfCmG-3′3′•(VEGF ligand)
and said aptamer is present in the formulation at a concentration of 1 to 30 mg/ml.
15 . The formulation of claim 14 , wherein the aptamer is present at a concentration of about 3.0 mg/ml.
16 . The formulation of claim 15 , wherein the carrier comprises sodium phosphate and sodium chloride.
17 . The formulation of claim 16 , wherein the carrier comprises 10 mM sodium phosphate and 0.9% sodium chloride.