UCSF Ophthalmologist Researching Drug for Use in Treating Macular Degeneration

New evidence surfaced Wednesday that a high-tech drug developed in the Bay Area offers significant hope to those afflicted with macular degeneration, a disease that can cause blindness. Robert Bhisitkul, MD, PhD, assistant clinical professor of ophthalmology at UCSF, is part of the research groups studying the Genentech drug Lucentis, which has been successful in treating the disease. Bhisitkul would like to see a trial comparing FDA approved Lucentis and its "off-label" counterpart Avastin, also a Genentech drug. Related Links: New Drug Shown to Help Save Sight of Elderly HealthWatch with Dr. Kim Mulvihill, KPIX-TV, October 4, 2006