Disease Areas

Geographic Atrophy

patient with geographic atropy

Geographic Atrophy

Geographic atrophy (GA) is an advanced form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) that leads to progressive and irreversible vision loss.1 It affects the retina, located at the back of the eye.

GA causes destruction of retinal cells, which are responsible for vision. Therefore, people may notice blurry spots in the center of vision, making daily activities difficult, especially in low light or dark places. GA can severely impair independence and quality of life, as it impacts essential activities like driving, reading, and recognizing faces.

Our Approach

We are leading the way in complement science and believe that targeting C3 has the potential to address one of the most challenging retinal diseases that patients face.

Innovative Research

The cause of GA is thought to be multifactorial, with numerous environmental and genetic risk factors. The dysregulation of the complement cascade, an important part of the body’s immune system, plays a pivotal role.2 Excessive activation of the complement cascade results in destruction of healthy cells, which can lead to the onset or progression of many diseases including GA.3,4

We care deeply about the needs of people living with geographic atrophy. Through our scientific expertise and insights from patients and caregivers, we aim to advance care for the GA community. 

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Mechanism of Disease: GA

GA is an advanced form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) that leads to progressive and irreversible vision loss, which impacts approximately five million people worldwide.5

Resources for People Living With GA

Navigating Life with GA

Understand the differences between AMD and GA and explore tools that may help your journey with GA by visiting EyesOnGA.com.

Facts and Figures

1M

Approximately 1 million people have GA in the United States.6

68%

Nearly 7 in 10 people with GA (68%) believe the impact of visual decline on independence and quality of life is worse than expected.7

 

 

 

2.5yrs

GA can damage the parts of your eye responsible for central vision in as few as 2.5 years.8

References
  1. Fleckenstein M, Mitchell P, Freund KB, et al. The progression of geographic atrophy secondary to age-related macular degeneration. Ophthalmology 125.3 (2018):369-390. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29110945. Accessed November 21, 2019. 

  2. Murphy K, Weaver C. Innate immunity: the first lines of defense. In: Janeway’s Immunobiology. 9th ed. London, UK: Garland Science; 2016.

  3. Morgan P, et al. Complement, a target for therapy in inflammatory and degenerative diseases. Nature Reviews Drug Discovery. 2015;14:857-877. 

  4. Markiewski MM, Lambris JD. The role of complement in inflammatory diseases from behind the scenes into the spotlight. Am J Pathol. 2007;171(3):715-727. 

  5. Wong WL et al. Lancet Glob Health. 2014;2(2):e106-116.

  6. Saundankar V, Borns M, Broderick K, et al. Annual prevalence of geographic atrophy and wet age-related macular degeneration among Medicare Advantage enrollees in a US health plan. J Manag Care Spec Pharm. 2025;31(1):88-94. doi:10.18553/jmcp.2025.31.1.88  

  7. The Geographic Atrophy Insights Survey (GAINS) was conducted by The Harris Poll and was sponsored by Apellis 

  8. Lindblad AS, et al, and AREDS Research Group. Arch Ophthalmol. 2009;127(9):1168-1174. 

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