The most recent breakthrough in retinal treatment may finally bring hope to people losing their vision to dry age-related macular degeneration.
On the 17th February, 2023, the FDA approved the drug Pegcetacoplan for use in treating geographic atrophy caused by age-related macular degeneration.
Pegcetacoplan is not a new drug. It has been in use for treating a different condition, under the brand name Empaveli. Instead, as sometimes happens, this is a new use for an existing drug.
Two key studies (Oaks and Derby) were undertaken, looking at Pegcetacoplan’s use in treating ARMD. The study duration was 24 months, and involved more than 1200 patients and nearly 12,000 injections.
With doses given every 25-60 days, Pegcetacoplan was found to slow the progression of geographic atrophy. It was also found to be safe.
Pegcetacoplan is now available for use in the USA and is under review by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) for use in the UK. This could take up to a year but we are looking forward to being able to offer it as a private prescription as soon as it has MHRA approval.
This page will be updated as more information becomes available.