A group of experts in AMD and geographic atrophy discussed two GA treatments in Phase III studies: Apellis’s pegcetacoplan and Iveric Bio’s Zimura.

If approved, these therapies will potentially slow lesion growth and preserve vision in patients with GA. Because they require monthly or bimonthly injections, they may also dramatically increase workloads for already overtaxed retina specialists.

David Boyer, MD, of Retina Vitreous Associates Medical Group, said they’ll adapt. Somehow. Tarek Hassan, MD, partner and director of vitreoretinal training at Associated Retinal Consultants, agreed, noting the current working model will have to change. Somehow. “If we think we’re helping our patients we’ll figure it out,” he said.

For better or worse, the rollout could be a gradual one. New-onset exudation has been observed in both pegcetacoplan and Zimura. This may spook some physicians, the panel noted, and they’ll take a watch-and-wait approach. Even so, it’s an exciting development for a challenging condition.

Listen to the podcast today to hear our panel of retina experts discuss these and other questions related to dry AMD and GA treatment:

• Who are the ideal candidates for the forthcoming therapies from Iveric Bio and Apellis?
• How do you convince asymptomatic GA patients to initiate and continue treatment?
• How will artificial intelligence play a role in building a case for these therapies?
• Why do some patients with GA experience exudation?
• How do researchers determine clinical endpoints for GA? How does foveal center point involvement play a role?
• How do you decide on a proper treatment path?
• What therapies, drug delivery platforms, and/or technologies on the horizon are you excited about?

[Listen to the Podcast]

Speakers:

David Boyer, MD - Retina Vitreous Associates Medical Group

Tarek S. Hassan, MD, Professor of Ophthalmology - Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine / Partner and Director of Vitreoretinal Training - Associated Retinal Consultants
Erin Henry, PhD, Executive Director, Head of Ophthalmology - NGM Biopharmaceuticals
J. Jill Hopkins, MD, SVP & Global Head, Ophthalmology Development Unit - Novartis
Caroline R. Baumal, MD, Professor of Ophthalmology, Co-director of Retina Service - New England Eye Center, Tufts Medical Center