Intravitreal pegcetacoplan (Empaveli), met its primary endpoints in one of two phase-3 studies for the treatment of geographic atrophy (GA) secondary to dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
In the Oaks study, monthly and every-other-month pegcetacoplan treatment significantly reduced GA lesion growth by 22% and 16%, respectively, compared to pooled sham at 12 months. Derby did not meet the primary endpoint, showing a reduction in GA lesion growth of 12% and 11% with monthly and every-other-month treatment, respectively.
Pegcetacoplan is an investigational, targeted C3 therapy designed to regulate excessive activation of the complement cascade, which can lead to the onset and progression of many serious diseases. The drug was granted fast-track designation by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of GA.
