Method for treating neovascularization

Abstract

The present invention describes an improved photodynamic treatment to treat subfoveal choroidal neovascularization (CNV).

1 : A method for treating unwanted ocular neovasculature in a subject suffering from choroidal neovascularization or retinal neovascularization, the method comprising; 
 (a) administering an effective amount of an anti-angiogenic agent to the subject, wherein the anti-angiogenic agent is selected from the group consisting of inhibitors of protein kinase C, antagonists of growth hormone, antagonists of IGF-1. antagonists of vascular endothelial growth factor, antagonists of angiotensin II, antagonists of NF-kappa B, and phospholipase A2 antagonists;    (b) administering an effective amount of a photosensitive agent to the subject; and    (c) irradiating the unwanted neovasculature with light having a wavelength absorbable by the photosensitive agent.    
     
     
         2 : The method of  claim 1 , wherein the anti-angiogenic agent is administered between about 0 and about 4 weeks before the administration of the photosensitive agent.  
     
     
         3 : The method of  claim 1 , wherein the anti-angiogenic agent and the photosensitive agent are administered simultaneously.  
     
     
         4 : The method of  claim 1 , wherein the anti-angiogenic agent is administered between about 0 and about 4 weeks after the administration of the photosensitive agent.  
     
     
         5 : The method of  claim 1 , wherein the anti-angiogenic agent is administered between about 0 and about 4 weeks before the administration of the photosensitive agent and between about 0 and about 4 weeks after the administration of the photosensitive agent.  
     
     
         6 . (canceled)  
     
     
         7 : The method of  claim 1 , wherein the anti-angiogenic agent is selected from the group consisting of inhibitors of protein kinase C and antagonists of vascular endothelial growth factor.  
     
     
         8 : The method of  claim 7 , wherein the anti-angiogenic agent is an inhibitor of protein kinase C.  
     
     
         9 : The method of  claim 7 , wherein the anti-angiogenic agent is selected from the group consisting of N-benzoyl-staurosporine, CGP 79787, and octreotide.  
     
     
         10 : The method of  claim 9 , wherein the anti-angiogenic agent is N-benzoyl-staurosporine.  
     
     
         11 : The method of  claim 1 , wherein the photosensitive agent is selected from the group consisting of a porphyrin and a purpurin.  
     
     
         12 : The method of  claim 11 , wherein the photosensitive agent is benzoporphyrin derivative monacid ring A.  
     
     
         13 : The method of  claim 2 , wherein multiple administrations of anti-angiogenic agent are performed prior to the administration of the photosensitive agent.  
     
     
         14 : The method of  claim 4 , wherein multiple administrations of anti-angiogenic agent are performed after the administration of the photosensitive agent.  
     
     
         15 : The method of  claim 5 , wherein multiple administrations of anti-angiogenic agent are performed prior to the administration of the photosensitive agent and wherein multiple administrations of anti-angiogenic agent are performed after the administration of the photosensitive agent.  
     
     
         16 - 19 . (canceled)  
     
     
         20 : The method of  claim 9 , wherein the anti-angiogenic agent is CGP 79787.  
     
     
         21 : The method of  claim 9 , wherein the anti-angiogenic agent is octreotide.