Topical axitinib is a potent inhibitor of corneal neovascularization

BACKGROUND: This study evaluated the effects of topically applied axitinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, in an experimental model of corneal neovascularization (CNV). METHODS: , as the percentage of total corneal area and as the percentage of corneal surface covered by sutures (SCS). RESULTS: ; 18.38 ± 13.65%). Compared with saline, CNV was inhibited 39.04% by 0.02 mg/mL axitinib, 71.96% by 0.35 mg/mL axitinib and 84.73% by 0.5 mg/mL axitinib. CONCLUSION: Topical administration of the three axitinib concentrations inhibited CNV in rabbits, blocking both vascular endothelial growth factor and platelet-derived growth factor pathways. Axitinib at 0.5 mg/mL induced profound inhibition of corneal angiogenesis.