LUCENTIS
Lucentis (ranibizumab) is a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitor indicated for the treatment of several ocular conditions involving vascular abnormalities of the retina. It is used to treat patients with neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration, diabetic macular edema, and diabetic retinopathy. Additionally, the therapy is approved for macular edema following retinal vein occlusion and myopic choroidal neovascularization.
How LUCENTIS Works
Ranibizumab binds to the receptor binding site of active forms of VEGF-A, including the biologically active VEGF 110 molecule. This binding prevents VEGF-A from interacting with its receptors, VEGFR1 and VEGFR2, on the surface of endothelial cells. By blocking this interaction, the drug reduces endothelial cell proliferation, decreases vascular leakage, and inhibits the formation of new blood vessels. These biological actions address the underlying neovascularization and leakage that contribute to the pathophysiology of various retinal diseases.
Details
- Status
- Prescription
- First Approved
- 2006-06-30
- Routes
- Injection, INJECTION
- Dosage Forms
- Injectable, INJECTABLE
LUCENTIS Approval History
What LUCENTIS Treats
5 indicationsLUCENTIS is approved for 5 conditions since its original approval in 2006. These indications span multiple therapeutic areas including oncology, immunology, and more.
- Neovascular (Wet) Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
- Macular Edema Following Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO)
- Diabetic Macular Edema (DME)
- Diabetic Retinopathy (DR)
- Myopic Choroidal Neovascularization (mCNV)
LUCENTIS Target & Pathway
ProTarget
A signaling protein that stimulates the formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis). Tumors need blood supply to grow, so they secrete VEGF to create new vessels. Blocking VEGF starves tumors of oxygen and nutrients, inhibiting their growth.
Pathway Context
VEGF binds to VEGFR on blood vessel cells to stimulate new vessel formation
Receptors on blood vessel cells that respond to VEGF signals to form new blood vessels. Cancer cells exploit this pathway to ensure blood supply for tumor growth. Blocking VEGFRs prevents tumor angiogenesis and limits cancer progression.
LUCENTIS Biosimilars
3 FDA-approved3 can be substituted at the pharmacy without calling the prescriber.
What are biosimilars? Lower-cost alternatives to LUCENTIS with no clinically meaningful differences.
Auto-substitute OK = FDA "interchangeable" designation — pharmacist can switch without calling the doctor.
LUCENTIS Competitors
Pro6 other drugs also target VEGF. Compare mechanisms, indications, and trial activity.
Competitors share the same molecular target (VEGF). Earlier expiry dates signal biosimilar/generic opportunities.
Drugs Similar to LUCENTIS
FDA-approved drugs for similar conditions. Compare mechanisms and indications to understand treatment alternatives.
Active Pipeline
Ongoing clinical trials by development phase
Key Completed Trials
Completed studies with published results, ranked by significance
Trial Timeline
Full development history with FDA approval milestones
Understanding FDA Approval Types
| Count | Type | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| - | ORIG | Original approval - drug first enters market |
| - | SUPPL - Efficacy | New indication (new disease/condition approved) |
| - | SUPPL - Labeling | Label text changes (warnings, dosing updates) |
| - | SUPPL - Manufacturing | Production changes (new facility) |
| - | SUPPL - Chemistry | Formulation changes (new dosage strength) |
Green lines in the timeline show ORIG and Efficacy approvals - the clinically meaningful milestones.
LUCENTIS FDA Label Details
ProIndications & Usage
FDA Label (PDF)LUCENTIS is indicated for the treatment of patients with: LUCENTIS, a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitor, is indicated for the treatment of patients with: Neovascular (Wet) Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) Macular Edema Following Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO) Diabetic Macular Edema (DME) Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) Myopic Choroidal Neovascularization (mCNV) 1.1 Neovascular (Wet) Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) 1.2 Macular Edema Following Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO) 1.3 Diabetic Macular Edema (DME) 1.4 Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) 1.5 Myopic Choroidal Neovascularization...
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Data Sources
Data sourced from official FDA and NIH databases. Click links to verify on original sources.