Astellas shows enough data for eye treatment to support expanded use, but still lags competitor

Astellas on Saturday presented study results showing an increased treatment effect over time for its approved medicine for a common type of vision loss. The new data are probably enough to convince the Food and Drug Administration to remove restrictions on the drug’s use, but they still don’t measure up to a competing treatment from Apellis Pharmaceuticals.

After two years, monthly injections of the Astellas drug, called Izervay, into the eyes of patients with geographic atrophy resulted in a 14% slowing of retinal lesion growth compared to sham injections.

A separate group of patients received monthly Izervay injections for one year, followed by injections every other month for a second year, leading to a 19% slowing of lesion growth compared to sham injections.

STAT+ Exclusive Story

Already have an account? Log in

This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers

Unlock this article — plus in-depth analysis, newsletters, premium events, and news alerts.

Already have an account? Log in

Individual plans

Group plans

Monthly

$39

Totals $468 per year

$39/month Get Started

Totals $468 per year

Starter

$30

for 3 months, then $399/year

$30 for 3 months Get Started

Then $399/year

Annual

$399

Save 15%

$399/year Get Started

Save 15%

11+ Users

Custom

Savings start at 25%!

Request A Quote Request A Quote

Savings start at 25%!

2-10 Users

$300

Annually per user

$300/year Get Started

$300 Annually per user

View All Plans

To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+.

Subscribe

Log In