If you or someone you care about has been diagnosed with geographic atrophy (GA), you’re living with a disease that used to be considered incurable. Geographic atrophy is a more severe form of dry age-related macular degeneration that gradually destroys central vision and makes everyday activities such as reading, driving, and identifying faces challenging.
In 2023, the healthcare sector was transformed with the FDA approval of two new drugs: Syfovre in February and Izervay in August. These historic drugs are the first and only approved drugs shown to slow geographic atrophy growth.
This comparison will enable you to visualize the significant differences between Syfovre and Izervay. It will detail how each works, how well they work, Syfovre and Izervay side effects , costs, and real-world issues to consider. We will cover which patients are best served by each treatment, what to anticipate from therapy, and how to communicate with your doctor to make the optimum decision for your needs.
Whether you’ve just been diagnosed or have been living with GA for many years, this booklet provides you with the key facts you need to have an informed conversation with your ophthalmologist about these life-altering treatments.
What Are Syfovre And Izervay?
Izervay (avacincaptad pegol) and Syfovre (pegcetacoplan) are injectables that decelerate the progression of geographic atrophy. Geographic atrophy affects over 5 million individuals worldwide, accounting for approximately 25% of legal blindness in the UK and 20% in North America.
- Izervay Won FDA Approval in August 2023, Made By IVERIC Bio (Now Astellas).
- Syfovre, developed by Apellis Pharmaceuticals, was approved in February 2023.
How They Work: Various Ways They Operate
The primary distinction among these drugs is that they affect the complement system. It plays a role in the inflammation that kills retinal cells in geographic atrophy.
-Syfovre’s Mechanism
Syfovre performs by suppressing complement protein C3 and offering what scientists refer to as “comprehensive control of the complement cascade.” Acting upstream, it impacts the entire complement pathway,
which helps explain what Syfovre uses for treating geographic atrophy related to age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
-Izervay’s Mechanism
Izervay acts on complement factor C5, which is active later in the three converging complement pathways. This more specific activity can reduce some side effects without impairing its efficacy.
Effectiveness: Clinical Trial Results
Both drugs showed considerable advantages in retarding geographic atrophy progression but in distinct outcomes:
Syfovre Effectiveness
- Monthly injections: Reduced GA lesion progression by 18-22% at 24 months.
- Bi-monthly: Decreased growth by 17-18% in 24 months
- Head-to-head comparisons showed a 30% reduction in GA lesion growth with Syfovre compared with Izervay after one year.
Izervay Effectiveness
- Demonstrated a substantial decrease in GA progression at 12 months in two Phase 3 trials.
- Shown about 18% variation in geographic atrophy area progression as compared to sham treatment
- Shown efficacy in retarding photoreceptor loss and progression of disease
Administration and Dosing Regimens
The frequency of injection varies for both procedures:
Syfovre Dosing
- Monthly option: Injections every 25-30 days
- Extended option: Every 60 days (every two months)
Administered by intravitreal injection
Izervay Dosage
- Standard protocol: Monthly injections
- Alternative: Bi-monthly injections, in some instances
- Also administered as an intravitreal injection
Side Effects and Safety Profiles
They both have the same injection-related side effects but do differ in the following:
General Syfovre and Izervay Side Effects (Both Medicines)
- Eye pain and discomfort
- Eye floaters
- Bleeding at the injection site
- High eye pressure
- Risk of endophthalmitis (surgical eye infection)
- Retinal detachment (uncommon)
Syfovre-Specific Issues
- Retinal vasculitis: A severe inflammatory condition of blood vessels within the retina
- Thicker liquid: A thicker needle must be injected, which is more painful.
You should know Syfovre’s side effects and how to manage them!
Izervay-Specific Profile
- Reduced viscosity: Uses the smaller needle, thus making injections less difficult
- Reduced risk of vasculitis: No reported instances of retinal vasculitis to date
- Visual disturbances: Can cause temporary changes in vision
Cost Considerations
They are both essential financial expenses:
Normal Expenses
- Izervay: Around $2,000-$3,000 per injection
- Syfovre: Similar pricing range
- Yearly expense: May be over $24,000-$36,000 for monthly therapy
Insurance Coverage
- All significant insurance policies are now beginning to cover both procedures.
- Prior authorization is generally required
- Patient support programs offered by both companies
- Medicare coverage varies by plan
Selecting Between Izervay and Syfovre
You should always have the decision between these treatments made with your retinal specialist, considering a few key factors:
Consider Syfovre If:
- Do you prefer potentially stronger efficacy data
- You don’t mind a little more frequent injection for optimal effect
- Cost and insurance coverage warrant this choice.
Consider Izervay If:
- You’re concerned about retinal vasculitis risk
- You would prefer more comfortable injections (smaller needle)
- Your physician recommends the use of the C5-targeted therapy in your case.
The Future of Treating Geographic Atrophy
Clearance of Izervay and Syfovre is a significant step towards treating geographic atrophy. Researchers are still discovering:
- Combination treatments
- Prolonged dosing intervals
- New complement pathway targets
- Gene therapy strategies
Making Your Decision
Treatment of geographic atrophy is highly individual. Izervay and Syfovre are not obviously “better” than one another, which is best suited to your circumstance, risk, and treatment goals.
Key Questions to Ask Your Doctor:
- What medication is best for your GA pattern and severity?
- How are the side effects a concern to your comfort with risk?
- What does your insurance cover?
- How frequently can you consent to injections?
- What are your treatment goals and expectations?
Do Something Today For Your Vision
The introduction of Izervay and Syfovre has transformed the management of geographic atrophy, with real hope of preventing vision loss in a previously untreatable disease. Although both drugs are significant improvements, whether to take either one will largely depend on your individual health, lifestyle, and treatment objectives.
Time is critical in the event of geographic atrophy. Every month of delay may result in more irreversible vision loss. The earlier you begin treatment, the greater your opportunity to save vision for the individuals and activities that matter most to you.
Are you ready to find out about your treatment options? The experienced retinal specialists of Retina Vitreous Associates of Florida are experts at treating geographic atrophy. They provide Izervay and Syfovre treatments and can assist you in determining the most appropriate one for your condition.
Our staff recognizes that treatment options for GA can be difficult at times. We assure you that we will provide individualized care, explain your options, respond to your questions, and develop a treatment plan tailored to you and your needs.
Don’t wait to take care of your eyes. Contact Retina Vitreous Associates of Florida today to arrange a complete examination and learn how these revolutionary treatments can keep you seeing for years.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Izervay better than Syfovre for geographic atrophy?
Neither procedure is always better. It all depends on your condition of the retina, disease, history, and the advice of your retina specialist.
2. Who is a good candidate for Izervay or Syfovre treatment?
The patients who suffer from geographic atrophy caused by dry AMD can qualify for the therapy. A retinal specialist will decide on the appropriate treatment according to the findings from imaging and the state of the eye.
3. How often do patients need Izervay or Syfovre injections?
It is given Izervay once in a month whereas Syfovre can be taken either once a month or every alternate month, depending on the treatment plan.
4. Should I choose Izervay or Syfovre for my treatment plan?
Your choice must be made in conjunction with a retina specialist following your analysis regarding the stage of your disease, treatment objectives, and risks.