Izervay / Avacincaptad Pegol
Also known as Avacincaptad Pegol, Avacincaptad Pegol Sodium, Complement C5 Inhibitor, Geographic Atrophy Injection, Dry AMD Injection
Bottom Line
Izervay is a monthly eye injection for geographic atrophy from age-related macular degeneration. It can slow atrophy growth, but it does not restore lost vision.
Izervay (avacincaptad pegol) is injected into the vitreous gel inside the eye. The current label lists it for geographic atrophy secondary to age-related macular degeneration 1.
Avacincaptad pegol blocks complement protein C5. Complement is part of immune defense, but overactivity is linked with geographic atrophy damage 2.
In the GATHER2 trial, avacincaptad pegol slowed geographic atrophy growth compared with sham treatment over 12 months 3.
How Izervay Works
Izervay blocks complement protein C5. Complement is one part of the immune system. In geographic atrophy, complement activity is tied to ongoing retina damage 2.
The goal is to slow the edge of the atrophy from expanding. It is not expected to restore cells that are already gone.
Risks and Side Effects
Izervay has the same serious warning signs as other eye injections. It can also raise the chance of wet age-related macular degeneration in some eyes.
- Red spot on the white of the eye.
- Temporary eye pressure rise.
- Eye pain or irritation.
- Infection or retinal detachment.
- New wet macular degeneration.
Cost and Insurance
Izervay is usually billed to medical insurance because it is given in a retina office. Costs can include the drug, scan, office visit, and injection procedure.
- Prior authorization is common.
- Coverage often requires a confirmed geographic atrophy diagnosis.
- Out-of-pocket cost depends on deductible, copay, coinsurance, and assistance programs.
- Some plans compare Izervay with Syfovre before approval.
Ask the retina office for a benefits check before the first injection.
Common Questions About Izervay
Next Steps
- 1Bring prior macula scans to your Izervay consultation.
- 2Ask whether the atrophy is close to the center and still likely to benefit.
- 3Confirm insurance authorization and expected out-of-pocket cost.
- 4Plan monthly visits if treatment starts.
- 5Call the retina office right away for severe pain, new floaters, or major vision drop after injection.
Find specialists for Izervay / Avacincaptad Pegol
Board-certified ophthalmologists who treat Izervay / Avacincaptad Pegol.
Also relevant