The effect of complement C3 or C5 inhibition on geographic atrophy secondary to age-related macular degeneration: A living systematic review and meta-analysis

With the introduction of therapies to treat geographic atrophy (GA), GA management in clinical practice is now possible. A living systematic review can provide access to timely and robust evidence synthesis. This review found that complement factor 3 and 5 (C3 and C5) inhibition compared to sham likely reduces change in square root GA area at 12 months and untransformed GA area at 24 months. There is likely little to no difference in the rate of systemic treatment-emergent adverse events compared to sham. C3 and C5 inhibition, however, likely does not improve best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at 12 months, and the evidence is uncertain regarding change in BCVA at 24 months. Higher rates of ocular treatment emergent adverse effects with complement inhibition occur at 12 months and likely at 24 months. Complement inhibition likely results in new onset neovascular age-related macular degeneration at 12 months. This living meta-analysis will continuously incorporate new evidence.

Safety and Efficacy of Pegcetacoplan in Adult Patients with Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria over 48 Weeks: 307 Open-Label Extension Study

INTRODUCTION

Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is a rare, life-threatening disease characterized by complement-mediated hemolysis and thrombosis. Pegcetacoplan, the first targeted complement component 3 (C3) PNH therapy, was safe and efficacious in treatment-naive and pre-treated patients with PNH in five clinical trials.

METHODS

The 307 open-label extension (OLE) study (NCT03531255) is a non-randomized, multicenter extension study of long-term safety and efficacy of pegcetacoplan in adult patients with PNH who completed a pegcetacoplan parent study. All patients received pegcetacoplan. Outcomes at the 48-week data cutoff (week 48 of 307-OLE or August 27, 2021, whichever was earlier) are reported. Hemoglobin concentrations, Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy (FACIT)-Fatigue scores, and transfusion avoidance were measured. Hemoglobin > 12 g/dL and sex-specific hemoglobin normalization (i.e., male, ≥ 13.6 g/dL; female, ≥ 12 g/dL) were assessed as percentage of patients with data available and no transfusions 60 days before data cutoff. Treatment-emergent adverse events, including hemolysis, were reported.

RESULTS

Data from 137 patients with at least one pegcetacoplan dose at data cutoff were analyzed. Mean (standard deviation [SD]) hemoglobin increased from 8.9 (1.22) g/dL at parent study baseline to 11.6 (2.17) g/dL at 307-OLE entry and 11.6 (1.94) g/dL at data cutoff. At parent study baseline, mean (SD) FACIT-Fatigue score of 34.1 (11.08) was below the general population norm of 43.6; scores improved to 42.8 (8.79) at 307-OLE entry and 42.4 (9.84) at data cutoff. In evaluable patients, hemoglobin > 12 g/dL occurred in 40.2% (43 of 107) and sex-specific hemoglobin normalization occurred in 31.8% (34 of 107) at data cutoff. Transfusion was not required for 114 of 137 patients (83.2%). Hemolysis was reported in 23 patients (16.8%). No thrombotic events or meningococcal infections occurred.

CONCLUSION

Pegcetacoplan sustained long-term improvements in hemoglobin concentrations, fatigue reduction, and transfusion burden. Long-term safety findings corroborate the favorable profile established for pegcetacoplan.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier, NCT03531255.

Development of a target concentration intervention to individualize paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria treatment with pegcetacoplan

Pegcetacoplan (Aspaveli®/Empaveli™) is a factor C3 inhibitor that is approved for the treatment of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria. An individualized dosing strategy might be useful to improve patient-friendliness and cost-effectiveness of this very expensive drug. Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop an individualized treatment regimen for pegcetacoplan based on the pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic data of the manufacturer. We conducted a clinical trial simulation with the approved dosing regimen of 1080 mg twice-weekly and a target concentration intervention-based dosing regimen in patients with and without prior eculizumab use. For eculizumab-naïve patients, the target concentration intervention-based dosing regimen resulted in a comparable fraction of patients with LDH normalization (LDH < 226 U/L) and hemoglobulin normalization (> 12 g/dL) compared to the approved regimen (LDH 50.2% and 50.0% respectively and hemoglobulin 45.6% and 44.4%). A modest dose reduction of ~ 5% was possible with target concentration intervention-based dosing. An intensified dosing interval was necessary in 2.3% of the patients however an interval prolongation was possible in 28.2% of the patients. Similar results were obtained for patients prior treated with eculizumab. In this study we show the potential of an individualized dosing regimen of pegcetacoplan with can improve patient friendliness in approximately 30% of the patients and improve therapy in approximately 2% of the patients at slightly reduced costs.

Retinal vasculitis following intravitreal pegcetacoplan administration

Purpose

To describe a case of retinal vaso-occlusive vasculitis with associated lid edema and conjunctivitis following intravitreal pegcetacoplan administration in a patient with geographic atrophy (GA).

Observation

A 78 year old Caucasian woman presented with complaints of lid edema, conjunctival injection, loss of vision, and mild ocular discomfort eleven days after receiving an intravitreal pegcetacoplan injection in the left eye for geographic atrophy. Visual acuity on presentation was decreased to 20/400 from 20/200 previously in that eye. Eyelid edema and conjunctival injection were present with minimal anterior chamber reaction. Dilated fundus examination revealed hemorrhages throughout the retina and signs of retinal vasculitis. The patient subsequently developed hyphema and vitreous hemorrhage. Laboratory evaluations for common infectious and inflammatory causes including aqueous and vitreous cultures for bacteria and Herpes simplex PCR were normal or negative. A delayed hypersensitivity to pegcetacoplan was suspected and was treated with topical, oral subconjunctival and intravitreal steroids.

Conclusion

This index report illustrates a case of retinal vaso-occlusive vasculitis associated with intravitreal pegcetacoplan associated with lid edema and conjunctival injection and subsequent hyphema and vitreous hemorrhage. Therapy with steroids topically, systemically, periocularly and intravitreally were used to treat the inflammatory process and prevent further visual loss.

Anti-complement drugs for the treatment of geographic atrophy and the release of silicone oil

Intravitreal injections are a common procedure in ophthalmology, often using syringes coated with silicone to aid piston movement and needles coated with silicone oil to facilitate penetration of the sclera. Pegcetacoplan and avacincaptad pegol, recently approved for clinical use by the US Food and Drug Administration, have higher viscosity and seem more susceptible to entrap air bubbles compared to anti-VEGF drugs.It is plausible that both anti-complement drugs could be associated with a higher likelihood of introducing silicone oil in the vitreous because of higher viscosity, with potentially higher friction at the inner surface of syringe barrel, in the vicinity of silicone oil. In addition to this, undesirable agitation might be inadvertently promoted by some retina specialists to remove air bubbles from the drug solution.In conclusion, recent reports of silicone oil droplets in the vitreous of patients receiving pegcetacoplan injection might be related to both its viscosity and to agitation of the syringe to remove air bubbles. Since avacincaptad pegol also is viscous, though with different pH, syringe and filter needle, we might expect similar reports for this agent soon. We also recommend further studies be carried not only to clarify the current matter but also the potential association between the combination of agitation, silicone oil and inflammation or any immune response.

Can intravitreal injections with higher volume cause higher intraocular eye pressure? Considerations for anti-complement injections in normal and glaucomatous eyes

The approval of Syfovre® (pegcetacoplan) and Iverzay® (avacincaptad pegol) for the treatment of geographic atrophy (GA) marks a significant advancement in retinal disease therapy, offering both complement 3 and complement 5 inhibitors. With this breakthrough, an increase in intravitreal injections (IVI) is expected to treat GA, raising questions about potential effects on intraocular pressure (IOP). This concern is exacerbated by the larger injection volume required for GA treatment, potentially impacting IOP. Previous studies have shown that IVI can lead to a temporary increase in IOP with a 0.05 ml injection. This transient elevation is challenging to manage with glaucoma drops, and a preventive approach, such as paracentesis immediately before IVIs, may be more effective. Despite concerns, clinical significance and long-term effects of IOP changes with a 0.05 ml injection remain uncertain. To address these concerns, routine evaluations including macular optical coherence tomography (OCT), fundus autofluorescence, IOP measurements, and retinal nerve fiber layer OCT before the first IVI with avacincaptad pegol and pegcetacoplan are recommended to detect potential changes early. Further research is needed to determine the extent to which IOP changes impact GA patients and whether cumulative effects occur with repeated IVIs, especially in those with additional eye conditions.

Evaluating the Effects of C3 Inhibition on Geographic Atrophy Progression from Deep-Learning OCT Quantification: A Split-Person Study

INTRODUCTION

To evaluate the effect pegcetacoplan, a C3 and C3b inhibitor, on the rate of progression of geographic atrophy (GA) as assessed by spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) using a split-person study design and deep-learning quantification.

METHODS

A post hoc analysis of phase 2 FILLY trial data comparing study (treated monthly, treated every other month and sham-treated) and fellow (untreated) eyes in a split-person study design was performed. This analysis included 288 eyes from 144 patients with bilateral GA from the FILLY phase 2 trial (Clinical Trials identifier: NCT02503332). Only patients with bilateral GA and without evidence of choroidal neovascularisation in either eye were included. Patient study eyes were treated with sham injections or with pegcetacoplan monthly (PM) or every other month (PEOM) for 12 months. SD-OCT scans of study and fellow eyes taken at baseline and 12 months were used for the analysis. The main outcomes were the annual change in the area of retinal pigment epithelial and outer retinal atrophy (RORA), its constituent features (photoreceptor degeneration [PRD], retinal pigment epithelium [RPE] loss, hypertransmission) and intact macula as compared to the untreated fellow eye.

RESULTS

Annual GA growth was reduced in eyes treated with PM versus untreated fellow eyes for OCT features, including RORA (study eye 0.792 vs. fellow eye 1.13 mm2; P = 0.003), PRD (0.739 vs. 1.23 mm2; P = 0.015), RPE-loss (0.789 vs. 1.17 mm2; P = 0.007) and intact macula (- 0.735 vs. - 1.29 mm2; P = 0.011). Similar (but not statistically significant) trends were observed with the PEOM treatment or when GA was quantified with fundus autofluorescence (FAF). The sham treatment demonstrated no effect. Pearson correlation coefficients showed concordance in the enlargement rate of GA between the study and fellow eyes in the sham (R = 0.64) and PEOM (R = 0.68) groups, but not in the PM group (R = 0.21).

CONCLUSIONS

Pegcetacoplan-treated eyes demonstrated a reduction in spatial GA progression compared to their untreated counterparts. This effect was more evident on OCT than with FAF.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinical Trials identifier: NCT02503332.

Treating patients with geographic atrophy: are we there yet?

Geographic atrophy (GA) is a progressive degenerative disease that significantly contributes to visual impairment in individuals aged 50 years and older. The development of GA is influenced by various modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors, including age, smoking, and specific genetic variants, particularly those related to the complement system regulators. Given the multifactorial and complex nature of GA, several treatment approaches have been explored, such as complement inhibition, gene therapy, and cell therapy. The recent approval by the Food and Drug Administration of pegcetacoplan, a complement C3 inhibitor, marks a significant breakthrough as the first approved treatment for GA. Furthermore, numerous interventions are currently in phase II or III trials, alongside this groundbreaking development. In light of these advancements, this review provides a comprehensive overview of GA, encompassing risk factors, prevalence, genetic associations, and imaging characteristics. Additionally, it delves into the current landscape of GA treatment, emphasizing the latest progress and future considerations. The goal of starting this discussion is to ultimately identify the most suitable candidates for each therapy, highlight the importance of tailoring treatments to individual cases, and continue monitoring the long-term implications of these emerging interventions.

Injection Site Reactions with Long-Term Pegcetacoplan Use in Patients with Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria: A Brief Report

INTRODUCTION

Pegcetacoplan is a targeted complement component 3 (C3) therapy approved for adults with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH; US) or PNH plus anemia despite C5-targeted therapy for ≥ 3 months (EU). Patients with PNH receiving pegcetacoplan in the phase 3 PEGASUS trial who experienced injection site reactions (ISRs) mostly experienced mild events. We evaluated ISR incidence and severity with longer-term treatment in the PEGASUS cohort of the Study 307 open-label extension (307 OLE).

METHODS

Patients from PEGASUS enrolled in the 307 OLE continued pegcetacoplan subcutaneous self-administration twice or three times weekly or every 3 days for an additional 48 weeks. ISRs were coded as adverse events (AEs) or treatment-emergent AEs (TEAEs) and summarized by MedDRA System Organ Class and Preferred Term.

RESULTS

As of August 27, 2021, 58/64 patients from PEGASUS completed an additional 48 weeks of treatment in the 307 OLE (median treatment duration 337.0 [range 55-344] days); 95.3% (61/64) of patients achieved compliance ≥ 80%. ISRs occurred in 9/64 (14.1%) patients in the 307 OLE, which was lower than observed at PEGASUS completion (20/77; 26.0%). Most patients with ISRs in the 307 OLE had events with a maximum severity of mild (7/9 patients; 77.8%). Injection site erythema and induration were the most common overall (4/64 patients each; 6.3%) and pegcetacoplan-related (3/64 patients each; 4.7%) ISRs. The exposure-adjusted rates of these events were each 6.5 per 100 patient-years. No ISRs were classified as severe or serious TEAEs or led to drug discontinuation.

CONCLUSION

Though ISRs were common, most were mild, and the percentage of patients reporting ISRs declined from PEGASUS through the 307 OLE. Patient compliance remained high, and no patients discontinued because of ISRs, suggesting that ISRs do not pose a barrier to long-term pegcetacoplan treatment.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov identifiers: NCT03500549 (PEGASUS) and NCT03531255 (307 OLE).

Novel targeted C3 inhibitor pegcetacoplan for paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria

Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is a rare, life-threatening acquired blood disease characterized by chronic complement-mediated hemolysis and thrombosis. On May 14, 2021, the US FDA approved a new targeted C3 therapy Empaveli (pegcetacoplan), once called APL-2, for use in adult PNH. This review aims to review the pharmacological properties, clinical safety and efficacy of pegcetacoplan, and provides comprehensive drug information about pegcetacoplan. Pegcetacoplan is a pegylated peptide that targets the proximal complement protein C3. Pegcetacoplan plays a role in the complement cascade that controls C3b-mediated extravascular hemolysis and terminal complement-mediated intravascular hemolysis. Early pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic trials proved that pegcetacoplan had good tolerability and acceptable safety, while reducing complement activity. The pivotal phase III trial PEGASUS of PNH patients with a suboptimal response to eculizumab reported that pegcetacoplan improved hemoglobin levels better than eculizumab (p < 0.001). Compared with eculizumab, patients who received pegcetacoplan had a higher chance of not requiring a blood transfusion within 16 weeks (85% vs. 15%, p < 0.001). The safety of pegcetacoplan was similar to that of eculizumab. Adverse events such as injection site reactions and diarrhea occurred frequently following pegcetacoplan administration. The prescription recommended dosage is 1080 mg, subcutaneously infusion twice a week.

Discovering C3 targeting therapies for paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria: Achievements and pitfalls

The treatment of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) was revolutionized by the introduction of the anti-C5 agent eculizumab, which resulted in sustained control of intravascular hemolysis, leading to transfusion avoidance and hemoglobin stabilization in at least half of all patients. Nevertheless, extravascular hemolysis mediated by C3 has emerged as inescapable phenomenon in PNH patients on anti-C5 treatment, frequently limiting its hematological benefit. More than 10 years ago we postulated that therapeutic interception of the complement cascade at the level of C3 should improve the clinical response in PNH. Compstatin is a 13-residue disulfide-bridged peptide binding to both human C3 and C3b, eventually disabling the formation of C3 convertases and thereby preventing complement activation via all three of its activating pathways. Several generations of compstatin analogs have been tested in vitro, and their clinical evaluation has begun in PNH and other complement-mediated diseases. Pegcetacoplan, a pegylated form of the compstatin analog POT-4, has been investigated in two phase I/II and one phase III study in PNH patients. In the phase III study, PNH patients with residual anemia already on eculizumab were randomized to receive either pegcetacoplan or eculizumab in a head-to-head comparison. At week 16, pegcetacoplan was superior to eculizumab in terms of hemoglobin change from baseline (the primary endpoint), as well as in other secondary endpoints tracking intravascular and extravascular hemolysis. Pegcetacoplan showed a good safety profile, even though breakthrough hemolysis emerged as a possible risk requiring additional attention. Here we review all the available data regarding this innovative treatment that has recently been approved for the treatment of PNH.