Avacincaptad pegol in geographic atrophy secondary to age-related macular degeneration: a profile of its use

Avacincaptad pegol (IZERVAY^TM), a complement C5 inhibitor, is a promising new treatment option for patients with geographic atrophy (GA) secondary to age-related macular degeneration (AMD). In phase 2/3 (GATHER1) and phase 3 (GATHER2) trials in adults with non-center point involving GA secondary to AMD, monthly intravitreal injection of avacincaptad pegol demonstrated a significant reduction in GA lesion growth rate over a period of 12 months. There were no significant differences in the mean change in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and low-luminance BCVA between the avacincaptad pegol and sham groups. Avacincaptad pegol was generally well tolerated, with the most common adverse reactions being conjunctival hemorrhage, increased intraocular pressure, blurred vision, and choroidal neovascularization. Preliminary data from the 24-month analyses of GATHER2 have shown continued efficacy up to 24 months.