Avastin vindicated as AMD treatment

Many ophthalmologists have opted to use Avastin to treat their patients for wet age-related macular degeneration. Lucentis is the approved drug for treatment but is cost prohibitive for many patients. A small study conducted by Boston University researchers found that there is little difference in outcomes for patients treated with either Avastin or Lucentis. While the study may seem insignificant with only 22 participants, researchers stress that their results warrant continued study. Researchers determined that the changes in vision after one year of treatment of either Avastin or Lucentis were not significantly different. The National Institute of Health is currently conducting its own study of the two drugs in treating macular degeneration. Lucentis is the only FDA approved protocol for treating wet AMD while Avastin is typically used in treating cancer patients. The NIH study is expected to have final results by 2012.* Andrea Schumann Staff Writer