Which two medications are primarily used to treat Exudative ARMD?

Exudative Age-Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD), also known as wet ARMD, is characterized by the growth of abnormal blood vessels beneath the retina, which can lead to vision loss. The mainstay of treatment for this condition involves anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agents that inhibit the growth of these abnormal blood vessels and prevent further leakage of fluid.

Macugen (pegaptanib) and Lucentis (ranibizumab) are both anti-VEGF medications specifically approved for the treatment of exudative ARMD. These medications work by targeting and inhibiting VEGF-A, a signaling protein that promotes angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels). By blocking this pathway, both Macugen and Lucentis help reduce retinal swelling, improve vision, or prevent further vision loss in patients with wet ARMD.

Durezol (difluprednate), although an effective anti-inflammatory steroid used for treating eye inflammation, is not used for the specific treatment of exudative ARMD. Hydroxychloroquine is an antimalarial that can be associated with retinal toxicity over long-term use, but it is not indicated for treating ARMD.

Therefore, the selection of Macugen