Avacincaptad Pegol is a medicine given as an injection into the eye to help slow the progression of a specific type of vision loss called geographic atrophy, which is associated with dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
| Drug class | Complement Inhibitor |
|---|---|
| Type | Single |
| Forms | Intravitreal Injection |
| Common strength | 2 mg |
| Common Indian brands | Izervay (not in India) |
| Prescription status | Prescription (hospital use) |
What Avacincaptad Pegol is used for
Avacincaptad Pegol is used to treat a specific eye condition known as:
- Geographic atrophy (GA) in dry Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD): This is a advanced form of dry AMD where patches of cells in the macula (the central part of your retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision) waste away, leading to blind spots and significant vision loss. This medicine aims to slow down this process.
It’s important to understand that while this medicine aims to slow the progression of geographic atrophy, it is not a cure and does not restore lost vision.
How it works
Avacincaptad Pegol works by targeting a specific part of your body’s immune system called the ‘complement system’. In conditions like geographic atrophy, this system can become overactive and contribute to the damage of the retinal cells. Specifically, Avacincaptad Pegol blocks a protein called complement C5. By blocking C5, the medicine helps to reduce the inflammation and damage that leads to the wasting away (atrophy) of cells in the macula, thereby aiming to slow the progression of geographic atrophy.
How it’s used
Avacincaptad Pegol is given as an intravitreal injection, which means it is injected directly into the jelly-like substance (vitreous) inside your eye. This procedure is performed by a retina specialist in a hospital setting under sterile conditions to ensure safety and effectiveness.
The typical dosing schedule for Avacincaptad Pegol is once a month. Your retina specialist will determine the exact frequency and duration of your treatment based on your specific condition and response to the medication.
It is crucial to attend all your scheduled appointments for these injections to ensure the best possible outcome for your vision. Missing doses can reduce the effectiveness of the treatment.
Always follow your ophthalmologist’s exact instructions.
Brands available in India
- Izervay (not in India)
Brand availability and pricing vary; confirm with your pharmacist.
Please note
Given as an injection inside the eye by a retina specialist. After any intravitreal injection, seek help IMMEDIATELY if you develop increasing pain, redness, sensitivity to light or a drop in vision — these can be signs of a serious infection (endophthalmitis). Not currently approved or routinely available in India — included for reference; ask your ophthalmologist about approved alternatives.
Precautions & side effects
Important Precautions and Warnings:
- Not Marketed in India: Please note that Avacincaptad Pegol (brand name Izervay) is currently not approved or routinely available in India. This information is provided for your reference. If you are seeking treatment for geographic atrophy, please discuss approved and available alternatives with your ophthalmologist at Pristine Eye Hospitals.
- Intravitreal Injection Procedure: This medicine is administered as an injection directly into the eye by a highly trained retina specialist. This procedure carries certain risks, though rare.
- Immediate Medical Attention Required: After receiving any intravitreal injection, it is critically important to seek medical help IMMEDIATELY if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Increasing eye pain
- Increased redness of the eye
- Increased sensitivity to light (photophobia)
- A sudden or significant drop in your vision
These symptoms can be signs of a serious eye infection (known as endophthalmitis) or other serious complications, which require urgent medical evaluation and treatment to prevent severe vision loss.
- Prescription Only: Avacincaptad Pegol is a prescription-only medicine and is intended for hospital use only, administered by a specialist.
Understanding Geographic Atrophy and Dry AMD
Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a common eye condition and a leading cause of vision loss among older adults. It affects the macula, the central part of your retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision needed for tasks like reading, driving, and recognising faces. AMD comes in two main forms: ‘wet’ and ‘dry’.
Dry AMD is the more common form, accounting for about 80-90% of all AMD cases. It develops slowly over many years. In dry AMD, small yellow deposits called drusen accumulate under the macula, and the light-sensitive cells in the macula gradually thin and break down. This can lead to blurred vision or a blind spot in the centre of your vision. Geographic atrophy (GA) is an advanced form of dry AMD. In GA, patches of retinal cells in the macula waste away (atrophy), creating distinct areas of vision loss. This loss of tissue directly impacts your central vision, making everyday activities increasingly difficult. While there is no cure for geographic atrophy, treatments like Avacincaptad Pegol are designed to slow down the progression of this cell loss, helping to preserve your remaining vision for longer.
General Eye Care and When to Seek Help
Maintaining good eye health is crucial, especially if you have a condition like AMD. Regular eye check-ups with your ophthalmologist are essential, even if you are not experiencing noticeable symptoms. Early detection and management can make a significant difference. If you have been diagnosed with AMD, your doctor might recommend lifestyle changes such as a balanced diet rich in leafy green vegetables, regular exercise, and quitting smoking, as these can impact eye health. Always follow your doctor’s specific advice regarding your condition and treatment plan.
For any eye treatment, especially injections, hygiene is paramount. While the injection itself is performed in a sterile hospital environment, it’s important to keep your eyes clean and avoid rubbing them excessively, especially in the days following the procedure. If you are prescribed any eye drops to use at home after an injection, ensure you wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching your eyes or the eye drop bottle. Follow the instructions for instilling drops carefully, avoiding contact between the dropper tip and your eye or any other surface to prevent contamination.
It is vital to be vigilant for any changes in your vision or eye comfort, especially after an eye injection. As mentioned in the precautions, if you experience increasing pain, redness, sensitivity to light, or a sudden drop in vision, these could be signs of a serious complication like an infection. Do not wait; contact Pristine Eye Hospitals or seek emergency medical care immediately. Prompt action can prevent severe and permanent vision loss. Always remember that your eye health is precious, and timely medical attention for any concerning symptoms is key.
Frequently asked questions
What is Avacincaptad Pegol used for?
Avacincaptad Pegol is used to treat geographic atrophy (GA), which is an advanced form of dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD). It aims to slow down the progression of this condition, which causes patches of cells in the central part of your retina to waste away, leading to vision loss.
How does Avacincaptad Pegol work?
This medicine works by blocking a specific protein called complement C5, which is part of your body's immune system. By blocking C5, Avacincaptad Pegol helps to reduce the inflammation and damage that contribute to the loss of retinal cells in geographic atrophy, thereby slowing the progression of the disease.
What are the common Indian brands for Avacincaptad Pegol?
Avacincaptad Pegol (brand name Izervay) is currently not approved or routinely available in India. This information is provided for reference. Please discuss approved and available alternatives with your ophthalmologist at Pristine Eye Hospitals.
How is Avacincaptad Pegol administered?
Avacincaptad Pegol is given as an intravitreal injection, which means it is injected directly into the eye. This procedure is performed by a retina specialist in a hospital setting. The typical dosing is once a month.
Do I need a prescription for Avacincaptad Pegol?
Yes, Avacincaptad Pegol is a prescription-only medicine and is intended for hospital use only, administered by a specialist.
What are the key precautions to be aware of with Avacincaptad Pegol?
The most important precaution is that this medicine is not currently available in India. If you receive any intravitreal injection, you must seek medical help IMMEDIATELY if you experience increasing pain, redness, sensitivity to light, or a drop in vision, as these can be signs of a serious infection (endophthalmitis).
References
- What to Know About Syfovre and Izervay for Geographic Atrophy
- C5 inhibitor avacincaptad pegol treatment for geographic atrophy: A comprehensive review
- NDA 217225 Page 5 – accessdata.fda.gov
- Diabetic Retinopathy – National Eye Institute
- Eye health – MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine)
Medically reviewed by Dr. C Jagadesh Reddy, Chief Surgeon: Cornea, Cataract and Refractive Surgery — last reviewed 2026-07-28.
This page is for general education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never self-medicate or reuse an old prescription. Always consult a qualified ophthalmologist before starting, changing or stopping any eye medicine.