Shanghai United Family Hospital and Clinics Successfully Completes First Intravitreal Injection of Anti-VEGF Drugs

Recently, Shanghai United Family Hospital and Clinics (SHU) has implemented intravitreal injection technology for monoclonal antibody against VEGF-Lucentis. The first injection was successfully administered on June 25, 2015.

The Lucentis monoclonal antibody is a type of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) fragment antibody. Possessing a high affinity with VEGF-A, it can inhibit endothelial cell proliferation and prevent the formation of new blood vessels inside the eye.

There are many factors that can lead to the growth of new blood vessels inside the eye. Neovascularization of a fragile vessel wall causes frequent bleeding and leaking, which leads to retinal edema and seeping, which can seriously affect a person’s vision.

Neovascular eye diseases include wet age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, macularedema, neovascular glaucoma, retinal vein occlusion, refractory, and even blindness. For disorders like these, it is difficult to obtain satisfactory results with traditional oral medications and other therapies.

The Lucentis monoclonal antibody has distinct advantages in treating the aforementioned neovascular eye diseases. It can reduce the exudation of the retina and macular edema, which can increase or stabilize a patient’s vision. These results are widely recognized in the international medical community. A large number of studies also show that the intravitreal injection of the Lucentis monoclonal antibody is a safe procedure for patients who undergo it.

Before a Lucentis monoclonal antibody injection, a patient must administer antibiotic eye drops. As a Joint Commission International (JCI) accredited facility, SHU follows the highest levels of safety and quality for every treatment and procedure. After injection, follow-up is needed.