Henry Winkler, the actor made famous by playing The Fonz in the iconic TV show Happy Days, is partnering with Apellis to raise awareness of geographic atrophy (GA), an advanced form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
Winkler’s father-in-law Ed, with whom he shared a close relationship, was diagnosed with AMD, causing him to lose his central vision and, ultimately, his independence.
As his father-in-law’s vision loss progressed, Winkler recognised that aspects of everyday life became increasingly difficult for him. He was unable to continue his career in dentistry, and eventually had trouble with simple tasks like pouring a glass of water.
Winkler will front the ‘GA Won’t Wait’ campaign in the United States, which aims to help older adults and their families understand and recognise the symptoms of this progressive and irreversible disease.
“Remembering my father-in-law Ed’s struggle with AMD is why I am partnering with Apellis to help older adults and their families become aware of GA. I saw firsthand how profoundly isolating vision loss may be for older adults,” said Winkler.
Winkler will front the ‘GA Won’t Wait’ campaign in the United States
“Though I am now around the same age as Ed when his vision started to decline, I have no plans to slow down. I am so passionate about prioritising my eye health that I would carry my car to the eye doctor if I started to notice a change in my vision. That’s how on top of it you have to be.”
Apellis Chief Medical Officer Dr Caroline Baumal said it is a common misconception that significant vision loss is a “natural part of ageing”, which can cause patients to delay in seeking out important care.
“An early diagnosis is critical for this progressive disease, so we are thrilled to be working with Henry Winkler to help older adults learn about GA and reinforce that eye health should be prioritised as we age.”
The United States Food and Drug Administration recently approved pegcetacoplan injection (Syfovre), developed by Apellis, as the first and only treatment for GA secondary to AMD.
Apellis has indicated it will seek approval for the drug in Australia as a priority.
