A Possible Treatment for Geographic Atrophy?

Hopefully the first treatment for geographic atrophy or GA, the advanced form of dry AMD, is on the horizon!

Hopeful for a new treatment

Apellis Pharmaceuticals is now sharing the results of the phase 3 data received from the DERBY and OAKS trials for its drug, APL-2 or pegcetacoplan. In the OAKS trial, a 22% reduction in lesion growth (scarring) occurred at 18 months. Among patients in the DERBY trial, there was a reported 13% reduction over the same time period.¹

OK, this is great news, y'all! Science is finally nearing a treatment for those of us with dry AMD!

My geographic atrophy story

I have geographic atrophy (GA), the advanced form of dry AMD. To reintroduce myself, I am a 73 year old guy with GA in one eye and wet AMD in the other eye, however, I was diagnosed 9 years ago with dry AMD in 1 eye and wet in the other.

Let's skip past the initial horror stages of finding out my vision was at risk and all that it entailed. You have your own personal story of finding out and going through all the stages of grief until you accepted an uneasy alliance with the pickle we’re in. Important factoid: only about 10% of us with dry AMD will get GA, so breathe people, breathe!

Would this new drug restore vision?

Unfortunately, it wouldn't, but it does mean further damage is reduced. I have heard that stem cell research is working on restoring those damaged RPEs and photoreceptors. Stem cell clinical trials are ongoing and hold much promise.

The impact of APL-2 FDA approval for geographic atrophy

According to an article I read, "The Impact of a Pegcetacoplan FDA Approval for Geographic Atrophy," this could be the first-ever treatment for those of us with dry AMD.¹ As you may know, a clinical trial that is in phase 3 has already passed a multitude of hurdles and seems promising.

What does reduced lesion growth mean?

First, what is a lesion? In medical terms, a lesion is a region in an organ or tissue which has suffered damage through injury or disease, such as a wound, ulcer, abscess, or tumor. In geographic atrophy, it's an area of damage in the macula. The word “geographic” was coined because on fundus photography (images used by eye doctors) the areas of damage resemble islands or continents on a globe.¹

Staying optimistic for the future

To hear APL-2 reduces lesion growth is totally great. They're saying it has reduced damage to our RPE’s and photoreceptor cells by as much as 22%! RPE’s take care of our photoreceptors by removing waste matter (read Drusen) and supplying them with nourishment to keep them alive and working well.

So, there are a lot of clinical trials ongoing at the present time and this only touched on one of them. I'm going to stay optimistic and root for these guys and gals that are working for our benefit. I am so grateful that they are there and have devoted their lives to helping others. Who knows? Maybe it'll be in time for us? I certainly hope so!