Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 11, 2026
Determining the Toxicity of UV Radiation and Chemicals on Primary and Immortalized Human Corneal Epithelial Cells
Published on: July 22, 2021
Comparative toxicity and proliferation testing of aflibercept, bevacizumab and ranibizumab on different ocular cells
Sven Schnichels1, Ulrike Hagemann, Kai Januschowski
1Centre of Ophthalmology, University Eye Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
Background/Aims:
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a key factor in the pathogenesis of neovascular retinal diseases including age-related macular degeneration. VEGF inhibitors including ranibizumab, pegaptanib or bevacizumab improve retinal morphology and vision in many patients. The recently approved drug aflibercept (VEGF Trap-Eye/Eyelea, Regeneron, Tarrytown, New York, USA) offers a new therapy modality. We therefore tested for toxic and anti-proliferating effects of aflibercept.
Methods:
The effects of aflibercept (0.125, 0.5, 2 mg), ranibizumab (0.125 mg) and bevacizumab (0.3125 mg) after 1, 24, 48 and 72 h on cell morphology via phase contrast pictures, cell viability via MTS assay, total cell amount via crystal violet staining, apoptosis induction via caspase 3/7 assay and proliferation via BrdU assay were investigated. Three ocular cell lines were chosen for toxicology testing: ARPE19 cells, RGC-5 cells and 661W cells.
Results:
Aflibercept did not cause changes in cell morphology, induce apoptosis or cause permanent decrease in cell viability, cell density or proliferation in any cell line or concentration investigated. In general, aflibercept had fewer effects (upregulation or downregulation) compared with controls than bevacizumab or ranibizumab.
Conclusions:
In our experiments, aflibercept did not lead to any negative effects on retinal cell lines and might therefore be used safely in clinical applications.
Insights
Aflibercept, a new therapy for retinal diseases, showed no toxic or anti-proliferating effects on retinal cell lines in vitro. This suggests aflibercept is safe for clinical use in treating conditions like age-related macular degeneration.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Molecular Biology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) drives neovascular retinal diseases.
- VEGF inhibitors like ranibizumab and bevacizumab are established treatments.
- Aflibercept represents a novel therapeutic option for these conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the toxic and anti-proliferative effects of aflibercept.
- To compare aflibercept's safety profile with existing VEGF inhibitors.
- To assess aflibercept's impact on retinal cell lines.
Main Methods:
- Investigated effects of aflibercept, ranibizumab, and bevacizumab on cell morphology, viability, density, apoptosis, and proliferation.
- Utilized ARPE19, RGC-5, and 661W ocular cell lines.
- Assays included phase contrast microscopy, MTS, crystal violet, caspase 3/7, and BrdU.
Main Results:
- Aflibercept demonstrated no adverse effects on cell morphology, apoptosis, viability, density, or proliferation across tested concentrations and cell lines.
- Aflibercept exhibited fewer cellular effects compared to bevacizumab and ranibizumab.
- No significant toxicity was observed with aflibercept treatment.
Conclusions:
- Aflibercept exhibited a favorable safety profile in retinal cell lines.
- The findings support the safe clinical application of aflibercept for neovascular retinal diseases.
- Aflibercept shows potential as a safe and effective therapeutic agent.
