New treatment for Geographic Atrophy

Macular Disease Foundation has welcomed the news that the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has included a new eye injection treatment – pegcetacoplan (SYFOVRE®) – on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods. This is the first registered treatment for people with Geographic Atrophy.

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 inclusion of pegcetacoplan (SYFOVRE®) on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods means the treatment has been independently assessed for use as a treatment for Geographic Atrophy in Australia. 

People with Geographic Atrophy should be aware, however, that this outcome doesn’t necessarily mean that they will be eligible for treatment with pegcetacoplan (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 also 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. 

We recommend that people speak with their eye healthcare professional regarding their treatments. People can also 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