Definition

A humanized monoclonal antibody directed against human vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), with potential anti-angiogenic and antineoplastic activities. Upon administration, anti-VEGF monoclonal antibody hPV19 targets and binds to VEGFR at a unique binding site and inhibits VEGF binding to its receptors, VEGFR1 and VEGFR2, thereby preventing VEGF/VEGFR-mediated signaling. This prevents the growth and maintenance of tumor blood vessels. This decreases nutrient supply to tumor cells, resulting in tumor cell death. Increased VEGF/VEGFR signaling is associated with increased invasiveness and decreased survival.