Apellis Pharmaceuticals has received approval from the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) in Australia for Syfovre (pegcetacoplan) to treat geographic atrophy (GA) in adult patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This approval marks a significant advancement as Syfovre becomes the first and only approved treatment for GA available in Australia.
Clinical Significance
GA, an advanced form of AMD, affects more than 75,000 Australians and is a leading cause of blindness worldwide. The progressive disease is characterized by lesions that destroy retinal cells, leading to irreversible vision loss and significantly impairing patients' independence and quality of life. Syfovre offers a new therapeutic option to slow the progression of this debilitating condition.
Supporting Clinical Data
The approval is based on the outcomes of the Phase 3 OAKS and DERBY studies, which demonstrated that Syfovre slowed GA progression over 24 months. The studies included both every-other-month and monthly dosing regimens, with a generally well-tolerated safety profile observed across both. These results were published in The Lancet in October 2023.
Mechanism of Action
Syfovre (pegcetacoplan injection) targets C3, a component of the complement cascade, which is part of the body’s immune system. By inhibiting C3, Syfovre provides comprehensive control of the complement cascade to reduce the progression of GA.
Expert Commentary
Professor Robyn Guymer, AM, deputy director at the Centre for Eye Research Australia, emphasized the impact of this approval: "As a retina specialist, I have seen how GA often takes away a person’s ability to read, drive, and even see faces of their loved ones. The approval of Syfovre is a historic moment full of hope for the Australian GA community, who have been waiting for a treatment."
Company Perspective
Jeffrey Eisele, PhD, chief development officer at Apellis, stated, "The approval of SYFOVRE marks a significant milestone for GA patients across Australia. For the first time, Australians with GA will have a treatment to slow the progression of this irreversible form of vision loss. Building on the success in the U.S., we are excited to bring Syfovre to even more patients who are impacted by this devastating disease."
