Research progress of novel small molecule anti-VEGF drug Brolucizumab in the treatment of diabetic macular edema

Abstract

Diabetic macular edema(DME)has become the leading cause of vision loss in patients with diabetes. Currently, intravitreal injection of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)therapy is the first-line treatment for DME. However, the economic burden and related complications brought by frequent injections should not be ignored. Therefore, the drugs with longer-lasting effects and longer injection intervals must be explored. Brolucizumab is a single-chain antibody fragment(scFv)with a high affinity for VEGF. Compared with other available anti-VEGFs, it has the characteristics of smaller molecular weight, higher tissue permeability and durable therapeutic effect. Clinical studies and real-world evidences showed that Brolucizumab is non-inferior to aflibercept in improving visual acuity in patients with DME. And Brolucizumab is more effective in regressing intra-retinal fluid and reducing central foveal thickness(CSFT)with longer injection interval. At the same time, Brolucizumab has a low incidence of adverse events and favourable safety after intraocular injection. This article reviews the latest progress of Brolucizumab in the treatment of DME.

Keywords

• brolucizumab
• diabetic macular edema
• vascular endothelial growth factor(vegf)
• efficacy
• safety