In early 2005, a new injectable medication called Macugen became available for use. Macugen is the first macular degeneration medication to become available to that targets vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a protein produced by the body that is thought to contribute to the progression of wet macular degeneration. The Macugen medication is injected so that it binds itself to the VEGF protein and thus reducing the rate of progression for macular degeneration. Macugen is often referred to as an anti-VEGF medication.

While Visudyne is approved by the FDA for only certain forms of wet macular degeneration, Macugen has been approved for all forms. The sterile Macugen liquid is injected into the back of the eye by a retinal ophthalmologist. These injections are typically repeated every six weeks in the office.

Like Visudyne, Macugen is not effective for all patients. In clinical trials submitted to the FDA, Macugen helped reduce vision loss in 14% more patients than a placebo treatment during the first year. In the second year of treatment, the reduction in vision loss ranged from 1% to 27% when compared to placebo treatments.

With the introduction of Avastin and Lucentis in late 2005 and 2006, Macugen fell out of favor with most retinal specialists. It is now used only sparingly for a few very specific indications.