Age-Related Macular Degeneration | Unmet Need | Geographic Atrophy | US/EU | 2023

Geographic atrophy (GA), an advanced form of dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD), is a leading cause of visual impairment and blindness in the United States and Europe. Degradation of cells in the retinal pigment epithelium under the retina and the related atrophy of macular photoreceptors are characteristics of GA. Eye-specific AREDS vitamin and mineral supplements are often recommended to GA patients even though they have not been shown to be effective in reducing GA progression specifically. In February 2023, the first approved pharmacotherapy for GA launched in the United States—Apellis Pharmaceuticals’ Syfovre (pegcetacoplan). In August 2023, Astellas / Iveric Bio’s Izervay (avacincaptad pegol, formerly Zimura) launched for GA in the United States. These therapies have clinical shortcomings in terms of efficacy, safety, and/or delivery, creating opportunities for new and improved alternatives; indeed, the GA pipeline is replete with agents progressing to later stages of development. Our content examines the key treatment drivers, the areas of greatest unmet need, and prescriber perceptions of the risk / benefit profiles of the two GA treatments.

QUESTIONS ANSWERED

• What are the treatment drivers and goals for GA?
• Which drug attributes are key influences, which have limited impact, and which are hidden opportunities?
• How do current therapies perform on key treatment drivers and goals for GA?
• What are the prevailing areas of unmet need and opportunity in GA?
• What trade-offs across different clinical attributes and price are acceptable to U.S. and European ophthalmologists for a hypothetical new GA drug?

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

Provides quantitative insight into U.S. and European physician perceptions of key treatment drivers and goals and the current level of unmet need for a specific disease. Commercial opportunities are analyzed, and the extent to which emerging therapies may capitalize on these opportunities is evaluated.

Markets covered: United States, France, Germany, United Kingdom

Primary research: Survey of 60 U.S. and 30 European ophthalmologists fielded in June 2023

Key companies: Apellis Pharmaceuticals, Astellas, Iveric Bio

Key drugs: Syfovre, Izervay (N.B., Izervay was not launched at the time of survey fielding), AREDS1 and AREDS 2 supplements