Functional Characterization of Abicipar-Pegol, an Anti-VEGF DARPin Therapeutic That Potently Inhibits Angiogenesis and Vascular Permeability

DARPin molecules are a novel class of small proteins that contain engineered ankyrin repeat domain(s) and bind to target proteins with high specificity and affinity. Abicipar-pegol (abicipar), a DARPin molecule targeting vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A), is currently under evaluation in patients with age-related macular degeneration. The pharmacodynamic properties of abicipar were characterized using in vivo and in vitro assays.The...