Patients at Retina Health Center are among the first in the nation to have access to SYFOVRE™, a new drug from Apellis Pharmaceuticals, that can slow the progression of retina damage caused by Dry Age-related Macular Degeneration (Dry AMD).

Dry AMD is an eye condition in which deterioration of the retina is associated with cell loss called geographic atrophy and/or yellow deposits called drusen that develop under the retina in the portion of the retina responsible for central vision called the macula. This leads to damage to photoreceptors in the eye and disrupts their ability to process light and turn it into the image we see.

Patients at Retina Health Center’s location in Fort Myers, Florida, were part of a successful clinical trial that found the drug treatment, an intravitreal dose of SYFOVRE™ (pegcetacoplan) manufactured by Apellis Pharmaceuticals, could curtail geographic atrophy, an advanced form of Dry Age-related Macular Degeneration that can lead to central vision loss.

“Our physicians have dedicated their careers to helping patients achieve better vision, and that means offering new treatments and medications as soon as they are FDA-approved,” said Dr. Alexander Eaton, founder and director of Retina Health Center. “It is our hope that this new treatment will change lives for patients with Dry AMD, and it’s extremely gratifying to know that Retina Health Center physicians and patients were involved in a study that helped bring this drug to market.”

Marie Reidy, 88, from Fort Myers, is one of the nearly 20 million Americans ages 40 and older that are living with Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD), the majority of which are considered Dry AMD, which Reidy has dealt with for nearly 10 years. A patient of Dr. Eaton’s, Reidy is a candidate for the new drug.  “It started in my left eye but now it’s progressed to both eyes. I keep thinking there’s got to be something I can do,” said Ready. “I’m very hopeful this new drug will slow the progression of my vision loss so I can continue to do the things I enjoy such as cooking, cleaning and watching TV. It’s not easy, and I pray I keep the vision I have left.”  It is anticipated she will receive monthly injection to try and slow the progression of her disease.   These injections will be delivered in a similar fashion to those give for wet AMD.

Prior to Apellis developing its new medication, the most common treatment for patients with geographic atrophy as part of Dry AMD was a vitamin regimen.

For Barbara Johnson, whose mother also had AMD, it’s been nearly 10 years since her diagnosis, after she walked into a store and realized she was losing her sight.

“I couldn’t see and I panicked,” said Johnson. “My disease progressed very quickly, and I lost vision completely in my left eye, and still have some vision left in my right eye. I’m very hopeful that I can keep the sight I have, but my greatest hope is that this treatment will work so my children and their children don’t have to experience vision loss due to AMD.”

For those that have Dry AMD with geographic atrophy it is important to discuss this new treatment with your doctor before vision is lost.

“Studies have shown that SYFOVRE™ slowed progression of the disease, and it is believed that over time it will preserve vision,” said Eaton. “That has not been shown yet. However, if you wait and you lose vision, there is no way to get it back. So for those at high risk of vision loss, it makes sense to start treatment and consider changing as more data or better treatments become available.”

As with any medication, there are risks. The main risks are an increased risk of developing wet macular degeneration and of getting an infection from the injection.

“Fortunately, we have treatment to manage both. In considering this treatment, you will want to discuss the benefits and risks with your physician to see if this treatment is right for you,” said Eaton.

To learn more about treatment for AMD, visit retinahealthcenter.com