Schaeffel Lab

Neurobiology of the Eye

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Effects of Bevacizumab (Avastin) on choroidal thickness during and after myopia development in chicks

Ute Mathis (Section of Neurobiology of the Eye) and Focke Ziemssen (Dept. of Ophthalmology)

Bevacizumab is an antibody against human vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) which is known to promote neovascularization and affects the permeability of the walls of blood vessels. Its intravitreal application is currently the major treatment against wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) but also against myopic choroidal neovascularization and retino-choroidal degenerations associated with high myopia. The chick model is very suited to study the interactions of Bevacizumab with choroidal thinning that occurs during myopia development, using small animal OCT (see also project 1).

Results

Bevacizumab has surprisingly long-lasting effects on choroidal thickness in chicks. Details will be reported at the 2013 ARVO meeting.

Involved partners:

Frank Schaeffel.

Funding Agency:

Funds attracted by technology development through the STZ, and running budget of the Section of Neurobiology of the Eye and the Department of Ophthalmology.