Squalamine lactate is an aminosterol compound discovered in the tissues of the dogfish shark, with antimicrobial activity, and used for the treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration.
Squalamine lactate has a more generalized effect on the cellular signaling cascade that is common to both VEGF and other growth factors[1]. Squalamine blocks the action of VEGF and integrin expression, thereby inhibiting angiogenesis, when bound to calmodulin[2].
Squalamine is ineffective when administered intravitreally and therefore requires intravenous dosing. However, systemic dosing has yielded promising results in rats as well as humans[2].
[1]. Hussain RM, et al. Emerging vascular endothelial growth factor antagonists to treat neovascular age-related macular degeneration. Expert Opin Emerg Drugs. 2017 Sep;22(3):235-246. [2]. Emerson MV, et al. Current and emerging therapies for the treatment of age-related macular degeneration. Clin Ophthalmol. 2008 Jun;2(2):377-88.