Syfovre May Help Slow Vision Loss in Macular Degeneration | ASRS 2025

Syfovre (pegcetacoplan), the first treatment approved for geographic atrophy (GA), wasn't originally tested to prove it could improve vision. However, new data suggest it might help protect central vision over time, according to retina specialist Roger A. Goldberg, M.D., MBA.

Speaking today at the American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS) annual meeting in Long Beach, Calif., Goldberg explained that the original clinical trials—Derby and Oaks—focused on slowing the growth of GA, which is a type of advanced dry age-related macular degeneration. The main goal was to show an anatomical benefit, not a functional one like improved vision or reading ability.

Many participants in the trials already had GA affecting the center of the retina, where much damage is already done from the condition, according to Goldberg.

However, new findings from a longer follow-up period suggest that Syfovre may help delay vision loss in patients whose central vision isn’t yet affected. Microperimetry, a test that measures how sensitive different parts of the retina are, showed a benefit after three years of treatment—especially in the most critical part of the retina used for seeing fine details.

Goldberg said the drug reduced the risk of serious vision loss in the central retina.

“It’s a 30% to 35% risk reduction of developing all four of those central points becoming scotomatous,” he said. “There is evidence of a functional benefit. It just took longer than the two years of Derby and Oaks to manifest itself.”

While the treatment doesn’t reverse vision loss, the new results support the idea that earlier and ongoing treatment may help protect remaining vision. As the field evolves, researchers are focusing on testing the drug in ways that better capture how it impacts real-life vision over time.

Goldberg added that future trials should focus more on people with GA just outside the center of vision—where preserving sight may be more achievable.