Brolucizumab: A Newly Developed Anti-VEGF Molecule for the Treatment of Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Abstract

Background: Despite the success of anti-vascular endothelial growth factors (anti-VEGFs), currently, there is a need for highly effective compounds that can alleviate the burden of managing neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). Purpose: To review the milestones in the molecular and clinical development of brolucizumab, the first single-chain antibody fragment (scFv) designed specifically for intraocular use in humans. Methods: In this article, we summarize the preclinical and current clinical evidence of brolucizumab administration with an overview of the other treatment regimens and additional indications under investigation. Results: The unique molecular design of brolucizumab led to a low molecular weight of only 26 kDa, allowing for a concentrated molar dose of 1 intravitreal injection compared with other anti-VEGF agents. Phase I and II clinical trial outcomes validated the efficacy of brolucizumab in the treatment of nAMD with signals of a more durable treatment effect. The pivotal phase III trials, HAWK and HARRIER, which included a total of 1,817 patients, established that brolucizumab can be administered every 3 months while maintaining disease control. Conclusions: The preclinical and clinical data on brolucizumab provide evidence of sustained disease control with longer injection intervals, thus potentially reducing the treatment burden in patients with nAMD.