Pfizer announces new trial for macular degeneration drug

Pfizer has announced the details of a phase IV trial for Macugen, its treatment for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) licensed from OSI Pharmaceuticals.

Macular degeneration occurs when photosensitive cells in the eye become damaged and stop working, resulting in impaired vision.

The trial, entitled LEVEL, will evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) drug for patients who have received previous treatment and have shown improvement in symptoms.

Approximately 1,000 patients will be enrolled into the study. OSI says that although Macugen has been safely prescribed to almost 70,000 patients, the company says further studies are needed to see if the drug can sustain benefits for patients over a longer period of time.

Anthony P Adamis, OSI’s chief scientific officer, remarked: “The introduction of anti-VEGF therapy marked a new era in the management of neovascular AMD, yet we still have much to learn.”

“Macugen has proven efficacy and safety. The LEVEL trial will provide further insight into Macugen’s potential role in new treatment regimens for neovascular AMD,” he added.

The Macular Disease Society estimates that there are over 500,000 people living in the UK who suffer from some form of macular condition. It is the most common form of visual impairment in the UK. The macula is also known as the fovea and is approximately the size of a grain of rice.

Smoking has been found to more than double the risk of developing AMD, according to the society, while poor diets could cause damage to the macula.

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