Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor 2 Antibody, BC001, Attenuates Laser-Induced Choroidal Neovascularization in Rhesus Monkeys (Macaca mulatta)

Purpose: A study was conducted to evaluate the inhibitory effects of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) monoclonal antibody, BC001, against laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV). Methods: We induced the experimental CNV in rhesus monkey eyes using laser photocoagulation. Monkeys were randomly assigned to 4 groups that received a single intravitreal administration of BC001 at 0 (vehicle-treated group), 0.05, 0.2, and 0.5mg/eye. Fundus fluorescein angiography, optical coherence tomography, and histological studies were used for evaluations. The ocular recovery was determined by comparing changes of fluorescein leaking area and thickness of disrupted retina around the laser burn spot before and after drug administration. Choroidal blood vessels were stained and quantified by lectin staining. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was performed to determine the general histological complications. Results: An intravitreal injection of BC001 at 0.05, 0.2, and 0.5mg per eye at 20 days after laser burn significantly reduced the CNV-induced fluorescein leakage, retina pathology, and aberrant choroidal vessel growth and did not change intraocular pressure or induce any immune response. Conclusion: BC001 confers significant inhibitory effects against laser-induced CNV in rhesus monkeys, thereby suggesting that prevention of VEGFR2 activation may be promising as an alternative therapeutic target for exudative age-related macular degeneration.