Pegcetacoplan is a medicine given as an injection into the eye to slow the progression of geographic atrophy, a severe form of dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
| Drug class | Complement Inhibitor |
|---|---|
| Type | Single |
| Forms | Intravitreal Injection |
| Common strength | 15 mg |
| Common Indian brands | Syfovre (not in India) |
| Prescription status | Prescription (hospital use) |
What Pegcetacoplan is used for
Pegcetacoplan is used to treat a specific eye condition called Geographic Atrophy (GA), which is a severe and advanced form of dry Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD).
- Geographic Atrophy in dry AMD: This condition causes blind spots in your central vision due to the loss of cells in the macula, the part of your retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision. Pegcetacoplan aims to slow down the growth of these atrophic areas.
How it works
Pegcetacoplan works by targeting and blocking a specific part of your body’s immune system called the ‘complement system’. Specifically, it blocks a protein called complement C3. In geographic atrophy, the complement system is thought to be overactive and contributes to the damage and loss of retinal cells. By blocking complement C3, Pegcetacoplan helps to slow down the growth of the atrophic lesions, thereby preserving more of your vision for longer.
How it’s used
Pegcetacoplan is administered as an intravitreal injection, which means it is injected directly into the vitreous gel inside your eye. This procedure is performed by a retina specialist in a hospital setting. The typical dosing schedule involves receiving an injection every 25 to 60 days, as determined by your eye specialist based on your specific condition and response to treatment.
It is crucial to attend all your scheduled appointments for these injections to ensure the best possible outcome for your vision. Your doctor will prepare your eye with anaesthetic drops to minimise discomfort before the injection.
Always follow your ophthalmologist’s exact instructions.
Brands available in India
- Syfovre (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
Before receiving Pegcetacoplan, it is important to be aware of the following:
- First GA Therapy: Pegcetacoplan is the first approved therapy specifically for geographic atrophy.
- Slows Progression, Does Not Restore Vision: It is important to understand that this medicine is designed to slow down the progression of geographic atrophy and prevent further vision loss. It does not restore vision that has already been lost due to the condition.
- Not Currently Available in India: Please note that Pegcetacoplan (brand name Syfovre) is not currently approved or routinely available in India. This information is provided for reference. Your ophthalmologist can discuss approved alternatives that are available in India.
- Intravitreal Injection: This medicine is given as an injection inside the eye by a retina specialist.
- Serious Infection Risk (Endophthalmitis): After any intravitreal injection, it is extremely important to seek medical help IMMEDIATELY if you develop any of the following symptoms: increasing pain in the eye, increased redness of the eye, increased sensitivity to light, or a sudden drop in your vision. These can be signs of a serious eye infection called endophthalmitis, which requires urgent treatment to prevent severe vision loss.
- Prescription Only: This medicine is a prescription-only medication and is administered only in a hospital setting by a qualified retina specialist.
Understanding Geographic Atrophy (GA) and Dry AMD
Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a common eye condition that affects the macula, the central part of your retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision needed for reading, driving, and recognising faces. There are two main types of AMD: dry AMD and wet AMD. Geographic Atrophy (GA) is an advanced and severe form of dry AMD. In GA, there is a progressive loss of cells in the macula, leading to blind spots in your central vision. This loss of cells creates ‘geographic’ areas of atrophy, meaning areas where the retinal tissue has wasted away. Over time, these areas can grow larger, significantly impacting your ability to see clearly and perform daily tasks. While GA can severely affect vision, it typically does not lead to complete blindness, as peripheral (side) vision is usually spared. Understanding your condition is the first step towards managing it effectively. Your ophthalmologist will explain the specifics of your condition and the best course of action.
General Eye Care and Hygiene for Eye Injections
Receiving an intravitreal injection, like Pegcetacoplan, requires careful attention to hygiene to prevent complications. Before your appointment, ensure your face and eyelids are clean. Avoid wearing eye makeup on the day of your injection. Your doctor will thoroughly clean and sterilise the area around your eye before the procedure. After the injection, it is normal to experience some mild discomfort, a feeling of something in your eye, or slight redness. You might also see small floaters or specks in your vision, which usually resolve within a few days. It is crucial to avoid rubbing your eye after the injection. Wash your hands thoroughly before touching your eyes or applying any prescribed eye drops. Follow all post-injection instructions given by your doctor, which may include using antibiotic eye drops for a few days to prevent infection. Keep your eyes clean and avoid dusty or dirty environments immediately after the procedure. If you use contact lenses, your doctor will advise you when it is safe to resume wearing them, usually after a few days.
When to Seek Immediate Medical Help
While intravitreal injections are generally safe, it is vital to be aware of potential complications and know when to seek urgent medical attention. The most serious, though rare, complication is an eye infection called endophthalmitis. This condition can lead to severe and permanent vision loss if not treated promptly. Therefore, if you experience any of the following symptoms after your injection, you must contact Pristine Eye Hospitals or your retina specialist IMMEDIATELY, or go to the nearest emergency room:
- Increasing eye pain: Pain that gets worse over time, rather than improving.
- Significant eye redness: Redness that is severe or spreading.
- Increased sensitivity to light (photophobia): Finding bright lights very uncomfortable or painful.
- Sudden drop in vision: A noticeable and rapid decrease in your ability to see clearly.
These symptoms can indicate a serious infection or other complications. Do not delay in seeking help. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical for preserving your vision. Always keep your doctor’s contact information readily available.
Frequently asked questions
What is Pegcetacoplan used for?
Pegcetacoplan is used to treat Geographic Atrophy (GA), which is an advanced form of dry Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD). It helps to slow down the progression of this condition.
How does Pegcetacoplan work?
Pegcetacoplan works by blocking a protein called complement C3, which is part of the body's immune system. By blocking C3, it helps to slow the growth of the atrophic areas in the macula, which are responsible for vision loss in geographic atrophy.
What are the common brands of Pegcetacoplan available in India?
Currently, Pegcetacoplan (brand name Syfovre) is not approved or routinely available in India. This information is provided for reference, and your ophthalmologist can discuss approved alternatives available in India.
How is Pegcetacoplan administered?
Pegcetacoplan is administered as an intravitreal injection, meaning it is injected directly into the eye by a retina specialist in a hospital setting. The injections are typically given every 25 to 60 days.
Do I need a prescription for Pegcetacoplan?
Yes, Pegcetacoplan is a prescription-only medicine and is administered only by a retina specialist in a hospital setting.
What are the key precautions I should be aware of with Pegcetacoplan?
Pegcetacoplan is the first therapy for GA and aims to slow progression, not restore lost vision. It is not currently available in India. After any eye injection, it is crucial to seek immediate medical help if you experience increasing pain, redness, light sensitivity, or a drop in vision, as these could be signs of a serious infection.
References
- Diabetic Retinopathy – National Eye Institute
- Eye health – MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine)
- Eye health information – American Academy of Ophthalmology
- Blindness and vision impairment – World Health Organization
- StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
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.