Age-Related Macular Degeneration (Wet) | Unmet Need | US/EU | 2016
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of visual impairment and blindness in the United States and Europe. The majority of patients with advanced AMD have the wet form of the disease, which is characterized by abnormal growth of leaky blood vessels under the retina, damaging the macula and potentially causing vision loss. The primary goal of wet AMD treatment is to stop or slow disease progression to prevent vision loss. Several current therapies target vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), an approach that has demonstrated the ability to maintain and even improve visual acuity in wet AMD patients. The most frequently used anti-VEGF agents in wet AMD, administered via intravitreal injections, are Lucentis, Eylea, and off-label compounded Avastin. However, even with these therapies, opportunity remains for new wet AMD agents that can address several unmet needs, such as the need for treatments with more-convenient delivery profiles.
This Unmet Need content provides quantitative insight into U.S. and European physician perceptions of key treatment drivers and goals in the treatment of wet AMD and the current level of unmet need associated with the disease. We analyze commercial opportunities and how emerging therapies may capitalize on these opportunities.
