Complement inhibitors are a new class of drugs that are being investigated for the treatment of geographic atrophy (GA), an advanced form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). GA is characterized by the loss of photoreceptor cells in the macula, the central part of the retina. This can lead to severe vision loss and blindness.
The complement system is a part of the immune system that helps to fight infection. However, in some diseases, such as GA, the complement system can become overactive and damage healthy tissues. Complement inhibitors work by blocking the activity of the complement system. This can help to protect the retina from damage and slow the progression of GA.
There are two complement inhibitors that have been approved for the treatment of GA in the United States:
Pegcetacoplan (Apellis Pharmaceuticals)
Avacincaptad pegol (Iveric Bio)
Both drugs are given as injections into the eye once a month. Clinical trials have shown that pegcetacoplan and avacincaptad pegol can slow the progression of GA by about 20%. This is a significant finding, as there are currently no other treatments available that can slow the progression of GA. The side effects of complement inhibitors are generally mild and include eye pain, redness, and irritation. More serious side effects, such as endophthalmitis (infection inside the eye) and retinal detachment, can also occur, but they are rare. Overall, complement inhibitors are a promising new treatment option for patients with GA. They can help to slow the progression of the disease and preserve vision.
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