Retina Matters

Geographic atrophy (GA) care is about more than treating a disease. In this episode, host Weslie Hamada, OD, FAAO, sits down with Veeral S. Sheth, MD, MBA, FACS, FASRS and Esther Kim, MD, FASRS, to discuss the role of partnership in GA management. Drawing from their experiences in Astellas’ “Partners in Protection” campaign, which highlights the real stories of retina specialists and patients with GA, they explore how trust, education and shared decision-making can help patients and physicians navigate the treatment journey together.

For U.S. healthcare providers only.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION AND INDICATION

CONTRAINDICATIONS

IZERVAY® (avacincaptad pegol intravitreal solution) is contraindicated in patients with ocular or periocular infections and in patients with active intraocular inflammation.

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Endophthalmitis and Retinal Detachments

Intravitreal injections may be associated with endophthalmitis and retinal detachments. Proper aseptic injection technique must always be used when administering IZERVAY in order to minimize the risk of endophthalmitis. Patients should be instructed to report any symptoms suggestive of endophthalmitis or retinal detachment without delay, to permit prompt and appropriate management. 

Neovascular AMD

In the GATHER1 and GATHER2 clinical trials, use of IZERVAY was associated with increased rates of neovascular (wet) AMD or choroidal neovascularization (7% when administered monthly and 4% in the sham group) by Month 12. Over 24 months, the rate of neovascular (wet) AMD or choroidal neovascularization in the GATHER2 trial was 12% in the IZERVAY group and 9% in the sham group. Patients receiving IZERVAY should be monitored for signs of neovascular AMD.

Increase in Intraocular Pressure

Transient increases in intraocular pressure (IOP) have been observed after an intravitreal injection, including with IZERVAY. Perfusion of the optic nerve head should be monitored following the injection and managed as needed.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

Most common adverse reactions (incidence >5% and occurred with frequency >2% vs. sham) reported in patients receiving IZERVAY for up to 24 months in GATHER2: conjunctival hemorrhage, blurred vision, increased IOP, wet AMD, punctate keratitis, and eye pain.

INDICATION

IZERVAY is indicated for the treatment of geographic atrophy (GA) secondary to age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Visit show webpage or https://bit.ly/izervayprescribinginfo for Full Prescribing Information.

To request medical information, please call 1-800-727-7003 or send an email to [email protected]. To report an adverse event or product complaint, please call 1-800-727-7003 or send an email to [email protected].

© 2026 Astellas Pharma Inc. or its affiliates. All trademarks are the responsibility of their respective owners.

MAT-US-IZE-2026-00751 08/26

Geographic atrophy (GA) management is rapidly evolving. In this episode, host Weslie Hamada, OD, FAAO, sits down with retina specialist David Chin Yee, MD, to discuss how therapies are changing the way clinicians identify and approach GA. From imaging-based risk assessment to referral coordination and treatment considerations, they examine opportunities for proactive management to help slow the progression of GA.

For U.S. healthcare providers only.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION AND INDICATION

CONTRAINDICATIONS

IZERVAY® (avacincaptad pegol intravitreal solution) is contraindicated in patients with ocular or periocular infections and in patients with active intraocular inflammation.

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Endophthalmitis and Retinal Detachments

Intravitreal injections may be associated with endophthalmitis and retinal detachments. Proper aseptic injection technique must always be used when administering IZERVAY in order to minimize the risk of endophthalmitis. Patients should be instructed to report any symptoms suggestive of endophthalmitis or retinal detachment without delay, to permit prompt and appropriate management. 

Neovascular AMD

In the GATHER1 and GATHER2 clinical trials, use of IZERVAY was associated with increased rates of neovascular (wet) AMD or choroidal neovascularization (7% when administered monthly and 4% in the sham group) by Month 12. Over 24 months, the rate of neovascular (wet) AMD or choroidal neovascularization in the GATHER2 trial was 12% in the IZERVAY group and 9% in the sham group. Patients receiving IZERVAY should be monitored for signs of neovascular AMD.

Increase in Intraocular Pressure

Transient increases in intraocular pressure (IOP) have been observed after an intravitreal injection, including with IZERVAY. Perfusion of the optic nerve head should be monitored following the injection and managed as needed.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

Most common adverse reactions (incidence >5% and occurred with frequency >2% vs. sham) reported in patients receiving IZERVAY for up to 24 months in GATHER2: conjunctival hemorrhage, blurred vision, increased IOP, wet AMD, punctate keratitis, and eye pain.

INDICATION

IZERVAY is indicated for the treatment of geographic atrophy (GA) secondary to age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Visit podcast webpage or https://bit.ly/izervayprescribinginfo for Full Prescribing Information

To request medical information, please call 1-800-727-7003 or send an email to [email protected]. To report an adverse event or product complaint, please call 1-800-727-7003 or send an email to [email protected].

MAT-US-IZE-2026-00580 05/26

In this episode of Retina Matters, host Weslie Hamada, OD, FAAO, sits down with renowned retina specialist Arshad Khanani, MD, to take a closer look at what the open label extension (OLE) trial tells us about the treatment of geographic atrophy (GA). From added clinical nuance to real-world decision-making, they unpack how emerging insights are shaping a more informed, forward-looking approach to GA care.

For U.S. healthcare providers only.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION AND INDICATION

CONTRAINDICATIONS

IZERVAY® (avacincaptad pegol intravitreal solution) is contraindicated in patients with ocular or periocular infections and in patients with active intraocular inflammation.

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Endophthalmitis and Retinal Detachments

Intravitreal injections may be associated with endophthalmitis and retinal detachments. Proper aseptic injection technique must always be used when administering IZERVAY in order to minimize the risk of endophthalmitis. Patients should be instructed to report any symptoms suggestive of endophthalmitis or retinal detachment without delay, to permit prompt and appropriate management. 

Neovascular AMD

In the GATHER1 and GATHER2 clinical trials, use of IZERVAY was associated with increased rates of neovascular (wet) AMD or choroidal neovascularization (7% when administered monthly and 4% in the sham group) by Month 12. Over 24 months, the rate of neovascular (wet) AMD or choroidal neovascularization in the GATHER2 trial was 12% in the IZERVAY group and 9% in the sham group. Patients receiving IZERVAY should be monitored for signs of neovascular AMD.

Increase in Intraocular Pressure

Transient increases in intraocular pressure (IOP) have been observed after an intravitreal injection, including with IZERVAY. Perfusion of the optic nerve head should be monitored following the injection and managed as needed.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

Most common adverse reactions (incidence >5% and occurred with frequency >2% vs. sham) reported in patients receiving IZERVAY for up to 24 months in GATHER2: conjunctival hemorrhage, blurred vision, increased IOP, wet AMD, punctate keratitis, and eye pain.

INDICATION

IZERVAY is indicated for the treatment of geographic atrophy (GA) secondary to age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Visit show website or https://bit.ly/IZERVAY_PI for Full Prescribing Information

To request medical information, please call 1-800-727-7003 or send an email to [email protected]. To report an adverse event or product complaint, please call 1-800-727-7003 or send an email to [email protected].

MAT-US-IZE-2026-00483 04/26