Therapeutic anti-VEGF antibodies

Abstract

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A) is a key cytokine in the development of normal blood vessels as well as the development of vessels in tumors and other tissues undergoing abnormal angiogenesis. Here, we review the molecular engineering of two humanized antibodies derived from a common mouse anti-VEGF antibody - bevacizumab, a full-length IgG1 approved for the treatment of specified cancer indications, and ranibizumab, an affinity-matured antibody Fab domain approved for use in age-related macular degeneration (AMD). In clinical trials and as FDA-approved therapeutics, these two anti-VEGF antibodies, bevacizumab (Avastin® anti-VEGF antibody) and ranibizumab (Lucentis® anti-VEGF antibody), have demonstrated therapeutic utility in blocking VEGF-induced angiogenesis. © 2008 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.