Ranibizumab

Ranibizumab is an active ingredient from the group of VEGF inhibitors. Ranibizumab is a humanised recombinant monoclonal antibody fragment (Fab V2) of the monoclonal antibody Bevacizumab. It is produced by means of recombinant DNA from the bacterium Escherichia coli.

VEGF combines proteins of different groups, which as signal molecules fulfil different tasks in human vascular tissues. VEGF-A is important for angiogenesis (formation of new vessels) in the eye. Ranibizumab binds to all forms of VEGF-A, thus preventing receptor activation with the downstream signalling cascade. Ranibizumab thus reduces the formation of new retinal vessels and the development of retinal edema (Mantel I et al. 2018).

wet age-related macular degeneration, diabetic macular edema, macular edema after vein occlusion

The most common side effects of ranibizumab are: conjunctival hemorrhage; eye pain; cataracts; floaters; increased intraocular pressure; vitreous detachment; serious side effects are eye infections (endophthalmitis) and retinal detachment.

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