Geographic atrophy is an eye condition that can severely impact a person’s vision, which can affect their routine and independence. Once a person develops geographic atrophy, it cannot be reversed and can continue to progress with time. Some medicines can slow down the progression of this disease.
Izervay (EYE-ZER-VEY) was approved in 2023 to treat geographic atrophy. It is the second medicine approved to treat geographic atrophy alongside pegcetacoplan (Syfovre).
How Does It Work for Geographic Atrophy?
Geographic atrophy (GA) is the advanced form of dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD). In GA, the retina cells die and create patches of dead cells in your eye that cause vision loss. It cannot be cured. The rate at which GA progresses is different for everyone, and even if your symptoms are mild, GA may still be progressing in your eye.
Dry AMD is a condition that causes vision loss over time. GA is the last stage of dry AMD where the eye damage is extensive. People with GA can have these symptoms:
- Blurriness or blank spots in the vision
- Seeing straight lines that look wavy or crooked
- Hard time seeing in low light or at night
- Colors appearing less vivid
Izervay slows GA progression, which can help preserve vision longer. People with GA have a part of their immune system that is overactive. Izervay targets and stops a protein called C5. In people with GA, protein C5 signals to other cells to attack certain cells in the eyes. Izervay blocks the C5 protein, which stops the immune system from attacking certain eye cells.
How Do I Receive It?
Izervay is given as an injection by a health care provider to the affected eye(s) at a dose of 2 milligrams. It is usually given once a month for up to 12 months. Call your health care provider right away if you miss an appointment to receive Izervay.
Your health care provider will prepare your eye before giving you an injection of Izervay. They will carefully keep the area clean to prevent infection, and they will use anesthesia medicine to numb your eye. This makes sure that you are comfortable during your Izervay injection. The injection itself will usually take a few seconds for your health care provider to administer. You may feel a little pressure in your eye during this. After the injection has been given, you may experience some blurry vision, mild irritation, or an increase in eye pressure. Your health care provider may give you instructions on how to take care of your eyes after your treatment. It is important to follow this so that you can experience the full benefit of Izervay.
How Was It Studied for Geographic Atrophy?
Two clinical studies were conducted to look at the safety and efficacy of Izervay. Both studies included people 50 or older who had GA. The studies looked at the rate of GA growth at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. People received either Izervay or a placebo containing no medicine.
In the first study, the average age of people in the study was between 78 to 79 years old, with about 70% of people being female. About 99% of people were White people, with the race of the remaining people in the study being unknown.
In the second study, the average age of people in the study was 77, and about 69% were female. About 83% of people were White. The races of the remaining people in the study were Black, Asian, Native American, and Hispanic or Latino, but the percentages are not known.
What Benefits Were Seen?
Izervay had a greater reduction in GA growth over 12 months compared to placebo. This means that Izervay helped slow down the progression of GA.
How Fast Does It Take to Work?
In clinical studies, the effects of Izervay were seen as early as 6 months. Talk to your health care provider if you are not seeing an improvement in your symptoms, if your symptoms are getting worse, or if you notice any changes in your vision. Your health care provider may check your vision while you are on Izervay to see if Izervay is working and to monitor GA progression.
What Are the Side Effects, and How Can I Manage Them?
The most common side effects seen with Izervay are blood in the white part of your eye, increased eye pressure, blurred vision, and wet AMD.
Call your health care provider if you notice blood in the white part of your eye or if you are experiencing symptoms of wet AMD:
- Straight lines look bent
- Blurred or decreased vision
- Trouble seeing in low light
- Decreased central vision
- Dark spots in your vision
You may have blurry vision after receiving Izervay. This should be a temporary effect. Call your health care provider if this does not get better or worsens. Do not drive if you are having problems with your vision.
Izervay may also cause increased pressure in the eye. Your health care provider will monitor your eye pressure before and after your dose of Izervay and may give you medicine to treat this if needed.
What Drug Interactions Can Happen?
There are no reported drug interactions between Izervay and other medicines. It is important to tell your health care provider about all the prescription and over-the-counter medicines you are taking as well as any vitamins or supplements.
Is There a Cost Savings Program?
The manufacturer has financial assistance programs that may help with the cost of your Izervay prescription. Speak with your health care provider to see if you are eligible. You can also visit www.izervay.com/support-resources or call 888-256-9929.
