• Recent analyzes of microperimetry data showed positive trends for both monthly and bimonthly Pegcetacoplan treatment near the GA lesion margin compared to sham treatment
• These analyzes provide further evidence that slowing the growth of GA lesions with Pegcetacoplan has the potential to preserve visual function
  
  
• The data were presented during an oral presentation at the American Academy of Ophthalmology annual meeting
  

WALTHAM, Mass., September 30, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Apellis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. APLSa global biopharmaceutical company and a leader in complement, today announced new data from the 24-month OAKS Phase 3 study of Pegcetacoplan, an investigational C3 targeted therapy for the treatment of geographic atrophy (GA) secondary to age-related macular degeneration.

Two post hoc analyzes of microperimetry data showed positive trends with increasing effect over time, showing that both monthly and every two months (EOM) Pegcetacoplan treatment improved visual function of retinal cells near the GA lesion border compared to sham treatment preserved. These data were presented during an oral presentation at the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) Annual Meeting.

“These results provide the first direct evidence that slowing the growth of GA lesions has the potential to preserve visual function,” said Charles Wykoff, MD, Ph.D., presenting author and principal investigator, Retina Consultants of Texas. “With the progressive, irreversible vision loss severely impacting the daily lives of millions of patients, there is an urgent need for a treatment for GA. Taken together, these data underscore the potential of pegcetacoplan to preserve long-term vision and become the first treatment for GA.”

Lesion borders grow at about 100-150 micrometers per year¹, and the analyzes measured the visual function of cells within 250 microns on either side of the lesion border, which are at highest risk of permanently losing visual function as the lesions expand. Positive trends in microperimetry after 24 months…