One-Year Outcomes in Subjects Developing Macular Neovascularization While Undergoing Avacincaptad Pegol Therapy for...

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Retinal Diseases
• Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

Background:

• Geographic atrophy (GA) is an advanced form of AMD.
• Intravitreal avacincaptad pegol (IVA) is a treatment for GA.
• Macular neovascularization (MNV) can be a complication during GA treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate 12-month outcomes in patients who develop MNV during IVA treatment for GA secondary to AMD.
• To compare outcomes between patients who develop MNV and those who remain complication-free.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective, case-controlled study of 56 AMD patients undergoing IVA for GA.
• Study Group: Patients who developed MNV and received anti-VEGF therapy.
• Control Group: Patients who remained complication-free.

Main Results:

• The Study Group showed a significantly greater decrease in visual acuity (p<0.0001).
• GA total lesion growth was significantly higher in the Study Group (p<0.0001).
• No significant baseline differences were observed between the groups.

Conclusions:

• Developing MNV during IVA treatment for GA in AMD patients results in worse clinical outcomes.
• Worse outcomes persist even with subsequent anti-VEGF therapy.
• These findings underscore the significance of MNV and aid in patient counseling.