Drug firm warns of increased stroke risk with Lucentis use

A warning has been given about the possible increased likelihood of stroke in elderly patients receiving Lucentis treatment for their age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Against a background of increasing concerns among cardiovascular specialists about non-selective anti-VEGF therapy (see News, Optician, January 9), Genentech has warned healthcare professionals over the potential increased risk for stroke associated with use of ranibizumab (Lucentis) in the treatment of neovascular AMD in elderly patients.

The warning was based on interim data from an ongoing safety study (SAILOR) showing that the risk for stroke was significantly higher in patients receiving the recommended dose of ranibizumab (0.5 mg) compared with a 0.3 mg dose (1.2 per cent vs 0.3 per cent P = .02) at an average follow-up of 230 days. Patients with a history of stroke appeared to be at increased risk for subsequent stroke, the company said.