A new drug to treat Geographic
Atrophy in Macular Degeneration
Southern Eye Specialists was recently involved in a clinical trial that has resulted in a new drug pegcetacoplan being approved by the FDA in the USA. This is the first drug approved in the world to treat Geographic Atrophy in macular degeneration.
Our team contributed to the OAKS study, one of two 24-month clinical trials that tested the use of the drug on patients presenting with Geographic Atrophy (GA).
At SES we are proud to have been involved in the trial. The team here have been recognised internationally for the diligence and expertise we delivered to this this work, and the valuable contribution that has been made in the battle against GA.
GA is an advanced form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and a major cause of blindness worldwide. It is given its name due to the map-like form the atrophic area takes on the retina. Sufferers experience a loss of the ability to read and drive at early stages, and it progresses to registered blindness after an average of 6.2 years from diagnosis.
Administered directly into the eye, the injection has been shown to reduce the progression of GA. It is why this year the treatment became the first (and, so far, only) drug to be approved by US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
“Until now we haven’t really had a treatment for geographic atrophy, other than vitamins”
This is a major step for the treatment of macular degeneration and one that is likely to spark further developments, with complementary medications in the wings.
“Until now we haven’t really had a treatment for geographic atrophy, other than vitamins,” said SES doctor Jim Borthwick, who was involved in administering the trial and presented the findings at a SES seminar in April.
“This is the start, the first drug you’re going to hear about,” he said. “In five or ten years, treatment of GA will be completely different, because this drug has started it all.”
Southern Eye Specialists was chosen to be involved in the trial because of the superior equipment available here. This technology, particularly high-resolution OCT, fundus autofluorescence and microperimetry, ensures we can correctly assess and treat GA.
“The trial showed a reduction in growth of 22% – which means a reduction in progression. The longer the drug is given, the greater the effect.”
During the trial, GA patients either received the drug monthly, every other month, or they received placebo injections.
“We were mostly looking at the change in size of the GA,” says Jim. “The trial showed a reduction in growth of 22% – which means a reduction in progression. The longer the drug is given, the greater the effect.”
The drug works by blocking a pathway which the body uses to rid itself of foreign matter such as viruses. It this pathway is overactive it causes cells to die. By blocking the pathway, pegcetacoplan stops the cell from dying.
The FDA approved this drug for treatment of GA in the USA in February 2023, where it is priced at $2200 per injection and is being administered to patients every 2nd month.
While the drug is not yet available in New Zealand, Apellis in Australia is currently submitting to have it approved by Medsafe by the end of the year. We hope it will then be available here at Southern Eye Specialists, with those suffering from GA offered this revolutionary new treatment.