Combination therapy for age-related macular degeneration.

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is an important mediator of angiogenesis in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and is a validated therapeutic target. However, combination of anti-VEGF agents with complementary inhibition of other mediators of angiogenesis, such as platelet-derived growth factor and integrin alpha5beta1, may result in enhanced visual acuity. Other concomitant treatments, such as inhibitors of inflammation, may generate an even stronger barrier to the progression of AMD than that now observed in individuals receiving anti-VEGF therapies alone. Experimental studies are providing support for the general principles of combination treatment in AMD.