Geographic atrophy, also known as late-stage dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD), occurs when retinal cells gradually die, leading to patches of ‘missing’ retina and loss of central vision.
Some people with dry AMD may develop the late-stage wet form of AMD. It’s best to ask your eye health professional any questions you may have about dry AMD.
An ophthalmologist can confirm a diagnosis and answer questions about new treatments. Your optometrist can refer you to an ophthalmologist if necessary.
Remember, continue seeing your eye care professional as recommended and don’t skip appointments.
Treatments for geographic atrophy/Dry AMD
A new eye injection treatment for late-stage geographic atrophy/dry AMD called pegcetacoplan (Syfovre) has been registered by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) in Australia. A second new treatment, avacincaptad pegol (Izervay), is still being assessed by the TGA.
An ophthalmologist can answer any questions about these new treatments and determine if they will be suitable for you once available. If it has been a while since you saw your ophthalmologist, please make an appointment to see them. If you don’t have an ophthalmologist, ask your optometrist to refer you to one.
Difference Between TGA Approval and PBS Listing
In Australia, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) assesses new medicines for safety, quality, and efficacy before approving them for use. Once approved, the TGA continues to monitor the medicine’s safety.
Registration with the TGA does not mean the medicine is funded by the Government under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). This funding depends on a positive recommendation by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) and approval by the Health Minister.
The PBS subsidises the cost of medicines to make them more affordable for people living in Australia who hold a current Medicare card.
Preparing for new treatments
If you have been diagnosed with geographic atrophy/dry AMD, continue seeing your eye health professional as recommended and don’t skip appointments.
Have any tests they recommend to monitor the progress of your dry AMD.
Ask your eye health professional any questions you may have about dry AMD. An ophthalmologist can also answer questions about new treatments.
Our advocacy support for new treatments
Macular Disease Foundation Australia advocates for effective treatments to be available quickly and affordably on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. We participate in public consultations for macular disease treatments and provide guidance to pharmaceutical companies on clinical trial design and outcomes. This helps ensure clinical research is relevant to the community it aims to support.
As more information about new treatments is available, we will keep you informed. Most importantly, continue seeing your eye care professional as recommended and don’t skip appointments.
Some people with dry AMD may develop the late-stage wet form of AMD. It’s best to ask your eye health professional any questions you may have about dry AMD.
An ophthalmologist can confirm a diagnosis and answer questions about new treatments. Your optometrist can refer you to an ophthalmologist if necessary.
Remember, continue seeing your eye care professional as recommended and don’t skip appointments.
