There are now two FDA approved medications that are used to treat Geographic Atrophy, the advanced form of dry macular degeneration. Syfovre (pegcetacoplan injection), made by Apellis Pharmaceuticals, was first approved for the treatment of GA in February 2023. Izervay (avacincaptad pegol), made by Astellas Pharmaceuticals, was approved in February 2025. Both are drugs that must be injected directly into the eye once per month, or every other month, on an ongoing basis. These medications help to regulate an overactivated part of the immune system in your eye. This overactivation can contribute to the progression of GA. The two drugs work similarly, but they target different immune molecules. It is important to know that GA cannot be cured, and any vision loss as a result of lesion growth cannot be reversed.
How do I know if I qualify for a GA treatment?
You must have a comprehensive dilated eye exam with one of our retina specialists to see if you qualify for GA treatment. The retina specialist must closely examine the back of the eye to determine if geographic atrophy is present. They may also order diagnostic imaging tests at the time of your visit.
Complications / side effects of some treatments for geographic atrophy
Syfovre and Izervay injections are relatively new. Manufacturer literature suggests that the following side effects are possible:
- Eye pain
- Subconjunctival hemorrhage, or bleeding in your conjunctiva (white part of your eye)
- Floaters in your vitreous humor ( clear gel that fills the eyeball)
- Neovascularization of the eye (wet AMD)
What should I expect if I receive an injection for GA?
In phase 3 clinical trials for both medications, lesion growth slowed down for patients who received these medications versus those who did not. It is important to understand that these drugs will not improve your vision, or bring back vision that is already gone. The goal of the GA treatment is to slow the progression of the geographic atrophy lesions that cause vision loss.
Click here to download the Syfovre: https://syfovre.com/
Learn more about Izervay: https://www.izervay.com/