Angiogenesis

Angiogenesis describes the biological process of new blood vessel formation from existing vasculature through endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and tube formation, playing essential roles in development, wound healing, and pathological conditions including tumour vascularisation. Vascular endothelial growth factor represents the primary signalling mediator driving angiogenic responses.

The biopharmaceutical industry extensively targets angiogenesis, particularly in oncology where tumour vascularisation enables oxygen and nutrient supply supporting cancer progression. Anti-angiogenic therapies including bevacizumab neutralising VEGF, small molecule VEGF receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors, and combination approaches have achieved regulatory approval across multiple cancer types. Cardiovascular research investigates therapeutic angiogenesis promoting vessel formation in ischaemic tissues. Drug delivery exploits enhanced permeability and retention effects in tumour vasculature. As resistance mechanisms to anti-angiogenic therapies are better understood, next-generation approaches combining angiogenesis inhibition with immunotherapy continue advancing clinical oncology practice.