Avacincaptad pegol

Avacincaptad pegol is an investigational drug that is being studied for the treatment of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). It is a PEGylated aptamer that binds to and inhibits the activity of complement factor 5 (C5), a protein that plays a key role in the complement system, part of the body's immune response.

Mechanism of action

Avacincaptad pegol works by binding to C5, preventing it from being cleaved into its active forms, C5a and C5b. This inhibits the formation of the membrane attack complex, which can cause damage to the retina in AMD.

Clinical trials

Several clinical trials have been conducted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of avacincaptad pegol in patients with AMD. These trials have shown promising results, with patients receiving the drug showing a slower progression of the disease compared to those receiving a placebo.

Potential side effects

As with any drug, avacincaptad pegol may cause side effects. In clinical trials, the most common side effects reported were injection site reactions, eye pain, and conjunctivitis. However, these side effects were generally mild and resolved on their own.

Future directions

Further research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits and risks of avacincaptad pegol. If proven safe and effective, it could provide a new treatment option for patients with AMD, a disease for which there is currently no cure.

See also

• Age-related macular degeneration
• Complement system
• Clinical trial