Oral administration of PTK787 (Vatalanib), a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that blocks phosphorylation of VEGF and PDGF receptors, provides inhibition of retinal neovascularization.

The development of new vessels are prevented while there is no effect on mature retinal vessels in murine⁽²¹⁾.

Vatalanib (PTK787 or PTK/ZK) is a small molecule protein kinase inhibitor that orally administrated inhibits angiogenesis.

It is being studied as a possible treatment for several types of cancer.

Vatalanib is being developed by Bayer Schering and Novartis.

It inhibits all known VEGF receptors (VEGFR1, VEGFR2, and VEGFR3) as well as platelet-derived growth factor receptor-beta and c-kit, but is most selective for VEGFR-2.

The “Safety and Efficacy of Oral PTK-787 in Patients With Subfoveal Choroidal Neovascularization Secondary to Age-related Macular Degeneration” (ADVANCE) study evaluate the tolerability and safety of 3 months treatment with PTK-787 tablets given daily⁽²²⁾.