Izervay (avacincaptad pegol, Astellas Pharma) intravitreal solution 2 mg is now available in Australia on private prescription.
Izervay is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with geographic atrophy (GA) secondary to age-related macular degeneration (AMD) with an intact fovea and when central vision is threatened by GA lesion growth.1
GA affects approximately five million people worldwide and around 100,000 Australians, with prevalence increasing with age.2-5 An advanced form of age-related macular degeneration, it is a leading cause of irreversible vision loss in older adults.
As GA lesions enlarge over time, people may experience increasing difficulty with activities such as reading, recognising faces, driving and navigating familiar environments, particularly when central vision becomes threatened.
Astellas has developed an Izervay Patient and Carer Educational Guide to support treatment discussions and help patients and carers better understand geographic atrophy, along with important safety information. The company is seeking to have Izervay listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme in 2027.
References
- Izervay Product Information.
- Wong WL, Su X, Li X, Wong TY, et al. Global prevalence of age-related macular degeneration and disease burden projection for 2020 and 2040: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Lancet Glob Health. 2014 Feb;2(2):e106-16. doi: 10.1016/S2214-109X(13)70145-1.
- Professor Robyn Guymer and Dr Carla Abbott, A new era in AMD management: Treatments for geographic atrophy, February 2024. mivision, the Ophthalmic Journal
- Guymer, R.H Treating geographic atrophy – Are we ready? A call to image. Ophthalmol Retina. 2023 Jan;7(1):1-3. doi: 10.1016/j.oret.2022.08.022.
- Keel S, Xie J, Dirani M, et al. Prevalence of age-related macular degeneration in Australia: The Australian National Eye Health Survey. JAMA Ophthalmol. 2017 Nov 1;135(11):1242-1249. doi: 10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2017.4182.
