Pegcetacoplan demonstrates increased effects over time in geographic atrophy

Apellis Pharmaceuticals, Inc announced top-line data at 24 months showing increased effects over time with intravitreal pegcetacoplan, according to data from the Phase 3 DERBY and OAKS studies in geographic atrophy (GA) secondary to age-related macular degeneration, according to a press release.

There was a clinically meaningful reduction in GA lesion growth from baseline to 24 months with monthly and every-other-month (EOM) pegcetacoplan compared to sham. In DERBY the monthly and EOM reduction was 19% and 16%, respectively; in OAKS it was 22% and 18%, respectively.

From 18 months to 24 months, treatment effect accelerated compared to the prior 6-month periods. There were robust reductions of GA lesion growth compared to sham due to a greater slowing of lesion growth in those treated with pegcetacoplan and not by an increase in the lesion growth rate in the sham group.

“These data further reinforce the breakthrough potential of pegcetacoplan, with both monthly and every-other-month treatment demonstrating increased effects across a broad patient population over 24 months,” said Jeffrey Eisele, PhD, chief development officer, Apellis. “With a U.S. PDUFA date in November and an EU submission planned later this year, we are committed to bringing pegcetacoplan to patients as quickly as possible.”

Read the full press release here.