Angiogenesis inhibitors are a class of medications designed to prevent the growth of new blood vessels, a process known as angiogenesis. This mechanism is crucial in various medical treatments, particularly in oncology, where inhibiting blood vessel formation can starve tumors and impede their growth, and in ophthalmology for conditions like wet age-related macular degeneration.
These drugs primarily work by targeting specific growth factors or their receptors that promote blood vessel development, such as Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) and Angiopoietins. By blocking these pathways, angiogenesis inhibitors effectively slow down or stop the proliferation of new blood vessels.
Key Angiogenesis Inhibitor Drugs
Several drugs are recognized as angiogenesis inhibitors, each targeting specific elements within the angiogenesis pathway. Here are some notable examples:
| Drug | Primary Target(s) |
|---|---|
| Aflibercept | Vascular endothelial growth factor B |
| Faricimab | Vascular endothelial growth factor A, long form; Angiopoietin-2 |
| Ramucirumab | Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 |
These medications are instrumental in therapies that aim to control diseases driven by excessive blood vessel growth. For instance, Aflibercept and Faricimab are often used to treat eye conditions like wet age-related macular degeneration and diabetic macular edema, where abnormal blood vessel growth leads to vision impairment. Ramucirumab, on the other hand, is a monoclonal antibody frequently utilized in the treatment of various cancers, including gastric cancer and non-small cell lung cancer.
By specifically interfering with the signals that initiate and sustain blood vessel formation, these angiogenesis inhibitors offer targeted approaches to managing a range of conditions. For more comprehensive information on this drug category, you can explore resources like DrugBank Online.
