Eyetech and Pfizer Comment on Data Presented at Meeting of Retinal Specialists NEW YORK, July 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Research presented today at the annual meeting of the American Society of Retinal Specialists (ASRS) provides further evidence that suppressing VEGF, a protein responsible for stimulating abnormal blood vessel growth and blood vessel leakage, plays an important role in the treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (neovascular AMD), a leading cause of blindness. (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050407/EYETLOGO ) Only one treatment that inhibits VEGF is currently available for the treatment of neovascular AMD: Macugen(R) (pegaptanib sodium injection). Macugen is the first and only VEGF inhibitor approved by the FDA to treat all subtypes of neovascular AMD. Macugen has a proven safety profile and has been effective in two pivotal studies conducted over two years. The favorable safety profile of Macugen has been maintained for two years in patients who participated in clinical trials and in tens of thousands of patients who are using the drug. Macugen is administered every six weeks by intravitreal injection. Please see complete prescribing information for Macugen at http://www.macugen.com/. Macugen is a medical breakthrough with significant value to patients today and in the future. We are confident of our continued success based on Macugen's proven efficacy and safety profile, favorable dosing schedule, blocking of the VEGF isoform believed to be implicated in eye disease, and the strong partnership of Eyetech and Pfizer. We encourage all patients with wet AMD to visit their ophthalmologist and get treated early, when chances of protecting vision are believed to be the greatest. Important Safety Information Macugen is indicated for the treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration. Macugen is contraindicated in patients with ocular or periocular infections. Intravitreal injections including those with Macugen have been associated with endophthalmitis. Proper aseptic injection technique -- which includes use of sterile gloves, a sterile drape, and a sterile eyelid speculum (or equivalent) -- should always be utilized when administering Macugen. In addition, patients should be monitored during the week following the injection to permit early treatment, should an infection occur. Increases in intraocular pressure (IOP) have been seen within 30 minutes of injection with Macugen. Therefore, IOP as well as the perfusion of the optic nerve head should be monitored and managed appropriately. Serious adverse events related to the injection procedure occurring in