Eylea Mechanism of Action – How Eylea Works in the Body

Last Updated On: February 12, 2025

Research indicates that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays a central role in the development of abnormal blood vessels and fluid leakage, both of which contribute to retinal diseases such as wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic macular edema (DME). If left untreated, uncontrolled VEGF activity can lead to progressive vision loss.

Eylea (aflibercept) is a targeted VEGF inhibitor designed to address these challenges. By binding to VEGF proteins, Eylea prevents them from triggering excessive blood vessel growth and leakage in the retina. Its advanced formulation allows for extended dosing intervals, reducing the frequency of injections while maintaining effective treatment outcomes.

In this article, we will explore how Eylea works, its mechanism of action, and the clinical benefits it provides for patients with retinal diseases.

Key Takeaways

• Eylea acts as a VEGF inhibitor by binding to VEGF-A and PIGF and blocking their interaction with endothelial cell receptors. This prevents abnormal blood vessel growth and fluid leakage in the retina.
• The treatment helps prevent vision loss, improve retinal thickness, and enhance visual acuity. Many patients may experience significant improvements within a few months.
• Initial injections are performed every 4 weeks, but depending on the individual’s response, the frequency is typically reduced to every 8 weeks after the first few months.
• Common side effects may include mild eye irritation, temporary vision changes, and minor bleeding at the injection site, while serious complications are rare.
• While Eylea does not cure retinal diseases, it effectively manages symptoms, slows disease progression, and helps preserve vision.

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Understanding VEGF and PIGF

Two key proteins, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and placental growth factor (PIGF), play a significant role in retinal diseases. These growth factors stimulate the formation of abnormal blood vessels in the retina, leading to swelling, fluid leakage, and vision loss.

• VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor): Stimulates the retina’s new blood vessel growth (angiogenesis).
• PIGF (Placental Growth Factor): Supports VEGF in worsening inflammation and vascular leakage.
• Impact on Retinal Diseases: High levels of VEGF and PIGF cause excessive blood vessel formation, leading to vision-threatening conditions like wet AMD and DME.

By targeting these factors, Eylea helps restore retinal function and prevent disease progression.

How Eylea Targets VEGF and PIGF

Eylea (aflibercept) is a VEGF inhibitor that binds to VEGF-A and placental growth factor (PIGF), preventing their interaction with endothelial cell receptors. This action helps reduce abnormal blood vessel growth and fluid leakage in the retina, which are key contributors to vision loss in retinal diseases.

• Dual Inhibition: Unlike some other treatments, Eylea targets both VEGF-A and PIGF, providing enhanced protection against vision deterioration.
• Prevents Abnormal Blood Vessel Growth: By blocking VEGF, Eylea helps prevent the formation of weak and leaky blood vessels.
• Reduces Retinal Swelling: Inhibiting fluid buildup decreases swelling and improves visual clarity.

Eylea’s generic name is aflibercept. It functions as a decoy receptor, mimicking the body’s natural VEGF receptors to neutralize excess VEGF and PIGF. This mechanism makes it an effective treatment for wet AMD, diabetic macular edema (DME), and other retinal diseases.

Clinical Benefits of Eylea

Eylea is FDA-approved for multiple retinal conditions, providing significant visual and structural benefits:

• Prevents Vision Loss: Slows or halts disease progression in wet AMD, diabetic macular edema (DME), and retinal vein occlusion (RVO).
• Reduces Retinal Swelling: Helps decrease fluid buildup, allowing the retina to regain normal function.
• Long-Lasting Effects: Requires injections only once every 4 to 8 weeks, offering extended relief compared to other treatments.
• Enhances Visual Acuity: Clinical studies show that many patients experience notable vision improvements after treatment.

By effectively blocking VEGF and PIGF, Eylea preserves vision and improves the quality of life for individuals with retinal diseases.

Conclusion

Eylea’s effectiveness comes from its ability to block VEGF and PIGF, preventing abnormal blood vessel growth and fluid leakage in the retina. By targeting the root cause of conditions like wet AMD, DME, and RVO, it helps restore retinal function and preserve vision. 

Many patients experience significant stabilization or improvement in their eyesight, making Eylea a leading treatment for retinal diseases. 

FAQs

1. How long does it take for Eylea to show results?

Many patients notice improvements in vision within a few weeks of treatment. However, the full benefits typically develop over several months with regular injections.

2. How often do I need Eylea injections?

Initially, Eylea is injected once every 4 weeks for the first few months. After that, the frequency is typically reduced to every 8 weeks, depending on the patient’s response.

3. Are Eylea’s side effects any?

Common side effects include mild eye irritation, temporary vision changes, and minor bleeding at the injection site. Serious complications are rare but should be discussed with an eye specialist.

4. Can Eylea completely cure retinal diseases?

Eylea does not cure retinal diseases but effectively manages and slows progression. Regular injections help preserve vision and prevent further damage.

References

Kaiser PK MD. VEGF and beyond: therapeutic targeting in retinal vascular disorders. Modern Retina. https://www.modernretina.com/view/vegf-and-beyond-therapeutic-targeting-in-retinal-vascular-disorders. Published July 15, 2021.

Penn JS, Madan A, Caldwell RB, Bartoli M, Caldwell RW, Hartnett ME. Vascular endothelial growth factor in eye disease. Progress in Retinal and Eye Research. 2008;27(4):331-371. doi:10.1016/j.preteyeres.2008.05.001