Macular Disease Foundation Australia welcomes new treatment for Geographic Atrophy

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approval of the new eye injection treatment pegcetacoplan (SYFOVRE®) is welcome news, as it will give many people with Geographic Atrophy a treatment option that they’ve never had before to slow the progression of the disease. This is a long-awaited positive development for the macular disease community, who to date have had limited treatment options.  

Macular Disease Foundation Australia supports thousands of people living with the devastating impacts of Geographic Atrophy, which can include irreversible and severe loss of their central vision. Geographic Atrophy, also known as late “dry” age-related macular degeneration, is a progressive disease of the macula. It is one of two forms of late-stage age-related macular degeneration (AMD). 

This approval of SYFOVRE® by the TGA is significant as it means the treatment has been independently assessed as being a safe and effective treatment to reduce the impact of Geographic Atrophy on people, their families and carers. 

People with Geographic Atrophy should be aware, however, that this outcome doesn’t necessarily mean that they will be eligible for treatment with SYFOVRE®, or that the treatment will be suitable for them. Macular Disease Foundation recommends people consult their ophthalmologist, who will need to weigh-up the benefits and risks to determine if the new treatment is suitable for them. 

Macular Disease Foundation recommends people who have been diagnosed with Geographic Atrophy continue seeing their eye health professional as often as they recommend and not skip appointments. They should also continue to have any tests that their eye health professional recommends, to ensure that the progress of their Geographic Atrophy is regularly monitored. 

People can call our Macular Disease Foundation Australia helpline for more information about Geographic Atrophy: 1800 111 709. 

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Jonathan Abbott | Macular Disease Foundation Australia | Communications Manager E: jon@mdfoundation.com.au | M: +61 413 995 189 

The information provided in this release is provided by Macular Disease Foundation Australia located at Mezzanine Level, 383 Kent Street Sydney NSW 2000. 

Posted: 30 January 2025