Aflibercept (VEGF Trap), an anti-angiogenic agent, is a fusion protein specifically designed to bind all forms of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-A (called VEGF-A). VEGF-A is required for the growth of new blood vessels that are needed for tumors to grow and is a potent regulator of vascular permeability and leakage. In addition, aflibercept binds Placental Growth Factor (PLGF), which has also been implicated in tumor angiogenesis.

Regeneron and the sanofi-aventis Group, an industry leader in the field of oncology, have a global collaboration to develop and commercialize aflibercept.

Aflibercept Clinical Development

A broad Phase 3 development program, initiated in 2007, includes three Phase 3 studies of aflibercept (VEGF Trap) in combination with chemotherapy that are targeted to enroll a total of approximately 3,400 patients. These studies are being conducted in second-line metastatic colorectal cancer, second-line non-small cell lung cancer, and first-line metastatic hormone-refractory prostate cancer. In addition, a Phase 2 combination study of aflibercept in first-line metastatic colorectal cancer is in progress.