COMPLEMENT INHIBITORS FOR THE TREATMENT OF GEOGRAPHIC ATROPHY CAUSED BY AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION: FOCUS ON PEGOL AND PEGCETACOPLAN

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.1595332520112

• Palavras-chave: Age-related macular degeneration; Complement inhibitors; Geographic atrophy; Pegcetacoplan; Avacincaptad pegol

• Keywords: Age-related macular degeneration; Complement inhibitors; Geographic atrophy; Pegcetacoplan; Avacincaptad pegol

• Abstract:

  Age-related macular degeneration is characterized by lesions in the medial region of the retina, compromising central visual acuity. Its epidemiology is on the rise due to increased life expectancy, but one of its classifications, the dry form, still lacks treatments that can modify the prognosis of patients. In this context, complement system inhibitors have emerged as protagonists that aim to block the main pathophysiogenesis of the disease. Methodology: Literature review, in English and Portuguese, in the PubMed database, with the descriptors: "complement inhibitors" AND ("geographic atrophy") AND "dry age-related macular degeneration," searching for results from treatment with Pegcetacoplan and Pegol. Results: The studies analyzed showed positive aspects involving a reduction in the degenerative process of geographic atrophy. However, they do not yet meet the ideal therapeutic criteria for universal adoption. Conclusion: Combined with the scarcity of articles on the subject, there is an undoubted need for further clinical trials, based on the complement system, to improve therapeutic techniques aimed at achieving a balance between noticeable visual improvement and low associated side effects. Keywords: Age-related macular degeneration; Complement inhibitors; Geographic atrophy; Pegcetacoplan; Avacincaptad pegol