The VEGF Trap is a fusion protein specifically designed to bind all forms of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-A (VEGF-A) and Placental Growth Factor (PLGF). Both VEGF-A and PLGF are proteins that are involved in the abnormal growth of new blood vessels.

Regeneron and Bayer HealthCare are collaborating on the global development, and commercialization outside the U.S., of VEGF Trap-Eye for the treatment of eye disease by local administration. Counteracting the effects of VEGF-A and PLGF may provide a significant therapeutic effect in patients suffering from these disorders. Regeneron maintains exclusive commercialization rights in the U.S. VEGF Trap-Eye is specifically purified and formulated for intravitreal administration.

VEGF Trap-Eye Clinical Development

In August 2007, Regeneron and Bayer HealthCare initiated a Phase 3 development program evaluating VEGF Trap-Eye in the neovascular form of wet Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD). Two trials are comparing treatment with VEGF Trap-Eye and Lucentis® (ranibizumab), a trademark of Genentech, Inc., an anti-angiogenic agent approved for use in wet AMD. The Phase 3 global development program in wet AMD is carried out in the U.S., Europe, and other parts of the world.

Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of acquired blindness. In wet AMD, new blood vessels grow beneath the retina and leak blood and fluid. This leakage causes disruption and dysfunction of the retina, creating blind spots in central vision, and it can account for blindness in wet AMD patients. Wet AMD is the leading cause of blindness for people over the age of 65 in the US and Europe.

In 2009, Regeneron and Bayer HealthCare extended the development program for VEGF Trap-Eye to include Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (CRVO). CRVO is caused by obstruction of the central retinal vein that leads to a back up of blood and fluid in the retina, resulting in retinal injury and loss of vision. The retina can also become "ischemic" (starved for blood), resulting in the growth of new abnormal blood vessels that can cause further vision loss and more serious complications. Release of VEGF contributes to increased vascular permeability in the eye and abnormal new vessel growth. It is believed that anti-VEGF treatment may help decrease vascular permeability and edema and prevent the growth of abnormal new blood vessels in the retina in patients with CRVO.

In 2008, Regeneron and Bayer HealthCare also initiated a Phase 2 study of VEGF Trap-Eye in patients with Diabetic Macular Edema (DME). Diabetic Macular Edema (DME) is a common complication of Diabetic Retinopathy (DR), which itself is a major complication of diabetes. DME involves fluid collection in the macula and is the most prevalent cause of moderate vision loss in patients with diabetes.