How do Izervay and Syfovre compare?

Izervay (avacincaptad pegol) and Syfovre (pegcetacoplan) are injectable treatments for geographic atrophy (GA), a severe form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) that causes progressive and irreversible vision loss. Here's how they compare:

Izervay:

• Mechanism: Contains avacincaptad pegol, a complement C5 inhibitor.
• Function: Targets and inhibits complement protein C5 to reduce inflammation and tissue damage in the retina, preserving vision.
• Administration: Intravitreal injection (directly into the eye).
• Dosing: Typically follows a regular schedule similar to other intravitreal injections, often monthly or bi-monthly, as specified by the physician.

Syfovre:

• Mechanism: Contains pegcetacoplan, a complement C3 inhibitor.
• Function: Targets complement protein C3 to reduce inflammation and cell death more effectively across the retina, slowing the growth of GA lesions.
• Administration: Intravitreal injection (directly into the eye).
• Dosing: Administered every 25 to 60 days, offering flexibility based on disease progression and patient response.

Side Effects and Safety

Common side effects (related to the injection procedure for both treatments) include:

• Eye discomfort
• Transient increases in intraocular pressure
• Risk of infection.

Additional side effects may include:

Izervay:

• Mild to moderate eye irritation
• Inflammation or redness
• Transient visual disturbances.

Syfovre:

• Eye discomfort or pain
• Redness at the injection site
• Potential for increased intraocular pressure.

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Efficacy and Clinical Trials

Izervay:

• Clinical trial results show it significantly slows the progression of GA, reducing the rate of GA lesion growth and better preserving visual function over time.

Syfovre:

• Clinical trial results demonstrate it reduces the growth rate of GA lesions, maintains visual acuity, and reduces the area of atrophy, with patients reporting fewer declines in visual function compared to placebo.

Conclusion

Similarities:

• Both Izervay and Syfovre represent significant advancements in treating GA secondary to AMD, and both slow GA progression and preserve vision.

Differences:

• Mechanism of Action: Izervay targets complement C5, while Syfovre targets complement C3.
• Dosing Schedules: Izervay often requires monthly or bi-monthly injections, whereas Syfovre is administered every 25 to 60 days.

The choice between these treatments should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider, considering the patient's specific circumstances and health status. Both drugs have demonstrated efficacy and safety in clinical trials.