Avacincaptad Pegol Intravitreal Injection

How it works

It is a pegylated aptamer that inhibits complement protein C5, reducing complement-mediated damage thought to drive progressive retinal cell loss in geographic atrophy.

Prescribing in practice

• As an intravitreal injection it carries a risk of endophthalmitis, so use strict aseptic technique and warn patients to report eye pain or vision loss urgently.
• Treatment may be associated with an increased risk of converting to neovascular (wet) AMD, requiring ongoing retinal surveillance.
• Avoid in active ocular or periocular infection and active intraocular inflammation.

Monitoring

Monitor visual acuity, intraocular pressure and the retina with imaging for new choroidal neovascularisation and progression of atrophy.

Counselling the patient

• Seek urgent review for new eye pain, marked redness, floaters or sudden visual change after injection.
• This treatment aims to slow progression rather than restore vision.
• Attend all scheduled injections and monitoring visits.

Evidence & guidelines

Avacincaptad pegol slowed geographic atrophy growth in the GATHER1 and GATHER2 trials; availability and approval status in the UK should be confirmed against current sources.