When the treatment area is exposed to the non-thermal laser light, Visudyne produces an active form of oxygen that reduces the growth of abnormal blood vessels, thereby stopping the leakage. Both the TAP and VIP studies confirmed the positive safety profile of Visudyne therapy. The majority of adverse events occurred in similar numbers among the treatment and placebo groups. The most frequently reported adverse events attributed to the treatment include injection site reactions and visual disturbances. The safety and efficacy of Visudyne therapy beyond 2 years have not yet been demonstrated.
Animal models indicate that the drug is also present in the retina.
Click here to find status of regulatory approval in a specific country. Multiple treatments were found to be safe and effective if the abnormal blood vessels began to re-leak. In fact, it was found that the area of leakage typically decreased with each successive treatment. Photodynamic therapy is a platform technology that utilizes light-activated drugs to treat a wide range of medical conditions. Any disease associated with rapidly growing tissue, including the formation of abnormal blood vessels, can potentially be treated with this technology.