Lucentis (ranibizumab) is a humanised monoclonal antibody fragment targeted against human vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A).  It is indicated for the treatment of  neovascular “wet”  age-related macular degeneration (AMD). 
The causes of AMD are still poorly understood, however, the central vision loss occurs as a result of abnormal blood vessels growing in the retina that are very fragile and therefore leak blood and fluid.  Lucentis blocks the molecule VEGF-A that is thought to be involved in the growth of new blood vessels as well as their leakage.
Lucentis 0.5mg or 0.3mg is administered as an intravitreal injection into the eye by a qualified ophthalmologist.  Based on the pivotal clinical trials (ANCHOR and MARINA), Lucentis is recommended to be administered once a month and the majority of patients need multiple injections.
Results from clinical trials in over 900 patients have shown that vision remained stable or increased in over 71-77% of patients being treated with Lucentis. Furthermore, vision gains of more than 3-lines of visual acuity were seen in 25-40% of patients treated with Lucentis.

 As of 1st August 2007, Lucentis became available under the Medicare Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for patients demonstrating subfoveal choroidal neovascularistion.