Private Izervay (avacincaptad pegol) injection cost UK 2026 — dry AMD geographic atrophy

What is Izervay (avacincaptad pegol)?

Izervay (avacincaptad pegol, originally developed as ARC1905 by Archemix and Ophthotech, subsequently IVERIC bio, now Astellas Pharma) is a pegylated synthetic RNA aptamer that binds with high affinity to complement component 5 (C5) and inhibits its cleavage by the C5 convertase to the downstream effectors C5a (an anaphylatoxin) and C5b (which combines with C6 to C9 to form the membrane attack complex, MAC). By targeting C5 at the terminal end of the complement cascade, avacincaptad pegol blocks the late inflammatory and lytic activity of complement on retinal pigment epithelial cells, photoreceptors and the choriocapillaris in geographic atrophy. The cascade upstream of C5 (including C3 cleavage and C3a anaphylatoxin) is preserved, in contrast to pegcetacoplan (Syfovre, Apellis Pharmaceuticals) which acts at C3 and therefore blocks all three downstream complement arms (classical, lectin, alternative) and all C3 cleavage products.

Izervay is delivered as a 2 mg / 0.1 mL intravitreal injection at monthly intervals (every 25 to 35 days). Unlike Syfovre, Izervay does not have a labelled every-other-month (EOM) dosing schedule in 2026; the GATHER1 and GATHER2 evidence base is for monthly administration. Some clinicians offer pragmatic flexibility for individual patients but the label and trial evidence base is monthly. The drug is supplied by IVERIC bio / Astellas in a single-use vial; a 30-gauge injection needle is used for intravitreal delivery. Same-day discharge is routine. The procedure is identical in technique to intravitreal anti-VEGF for wet AMD, Syfovre for GA or Ozurdex for diabetic macular oedema, with the same povidone iodine prep, topical anaesthesia and immediate post-injection IOP check.

Izervay received FDA accelerated approval in August 2023 for geographic atrophy secondary to AMD on the basis of GATHER1 (Khanani et al., Ophthalmology 2021) and GATHER2 (Khanani et al., Lancet 2023). The European Medicines Agency Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) gave a negative opinion in 2024, congruent with their position on Syfovre, on the basis that the anatomical benefit (slower GA lesion growth on fundus autofluorescence) did not translate into a statistically significant best-corrected visual acuity benefit at 12 or 24 months. The UK MHRA, operating independently of the EMA post-Brexit, has not licensed avacincaptad pegol in 2026. UK private access is therefore via the unlicensed Specials / named-patient import route under MHRA Specials guidance, with the prescribing consultant taking individual clinical responsibility. NICE Technology Appraisal for routine NHS commissioning is in scoping stage as of May 2026.

UK 2026 Izervay pricing, in detail

Private Izervay pricing in the UK is driven by the centre's CQC-registered clean-room overhead and consultant medical retina seniority, the procurement cost of the avacincaptad pegol vial via the Specials importation route (the dominant pricing component plus VAT and Specials importer margin), the OCT and fundus autofluorescence imaging included in the visit, and the monthly visit cadence and 6-monthly surveillance cadence. Most reputable London providers bundle these components into an all-inclusive per-injection fee.

For related medical retina pricing and pathways see our private Syfovre injection dry AMD cost UK, our private faricimab Vabysmo injection cost UK, our private anti-VEGF wet AMD injections London, our dry AMD condition guide, our macular degeneration condition guide and our macular degeneration treatments overview.

What a quality UK Izervay GA package should include

• Consultant medical retina specialist — a UK GMC-registered consultant ophthalmologist with documented medical retina fellowship, active AMD and complement-inhibitor practice on the Specials pathway, and a minimum 100 intravitreal procedures per year.
• Full pre-injection work-up — best corrected visual acuity, manifest refraction, slit-lamp dilated fundus, OCT macula, fundus autofluorescence (FAF) to map GA lesion area and pattern (focal, diffuse, banded, patchy, trickling), OCT angiography (OCT-A) to exclude active CNV (mandatory before starting Izervay), near-infrared reflectance, and where indicated fundus fluorescein angiography or indocyanine green angiography.
• CQC-registered clean room or sterile minor procedure room — with laminar flow, dedicated injection chair, indirect ophthalmoscope, sterile lid speculum, povidone iodine 5 per cent, tonometer and immediate-access resuscitation equipment.
• Documented Specials importation chain-of-custody — written agreement with a CQC- and MHRA-licensed Specials importer or under a Specials Import Licence; batch and expiry documented for every dose; recorded clinical responsibility of the prescribing consultant.
• Topical anaesthetic technique — proxymetacaine and tetracaine drops three to four times over 5 to 10 minutes, supplemented by sub-conjunctival lidocaine 2 per cent where the patient is anxious or sensitive.
• Povidone iodine 5 per cent — applied to the conjunctiva and lid margin pre-injection (the single most important infection-prevention step).
• The Izervay vial — supplied as a single-use 0.1 mL vial by IVERIC bio / Astellas via Specials; a 30-gauge injection needle is used for intravitreal delivery; the drug cost is the dominant pricing component and must be itemised.
• Post-injection IOP measurement — immediately after the injection, central retinal artery perfusion confirmed by indirect ophthalmoscopy or finger-count vision check.
• Same-day discharge with patient information — 7-day endophthalmitis symptom warning, urgent-contact card with the clinic 0800 number, written next-injection date and the surveillance plan.
• Quarterly FAF and OCT surveillance — consultant retina-led FAF and OCT every 3 to 6 months to quantify GA lesion area change versus baseline, document treatment effect, and screen for wet AMD conversion.
• Concurrent fellow-eye AMD surveillance — most GA patients have intermediate or advanced AMD in the fellow eye; mandatory surveillance with home Amsler grid, FAF and OCT.

Evidence base — what the trials show

Izervay has a focused complement-C5-inhibitor evidence base for geographic atrophy. The headline trials and key extension data should be reviewed together:

• GATHER1 (IVERIC bio; Khanani et al., Ophthalmology 2021; n=286) — phase 3 randomised double-masked sham-controlled trial of avacincaptad pegol 2 mg and 4 mg monthly versus sham in GA secondary to dry AMD. Primary endpoint mean rate of change in GA lesion area from baseline at month 12 measured by FAF: avacincaptad pegol 2 mg reduced GA growth by approximately 27 per cent over 12 months in GATHER1.
• GATHER2 (IVERIC bio / Astellas; Khanani et al., Lancet 2023; n=448) — phase 3 randomised double-masked sham-controlled trial of avacincaptad pegol 2 mg monthly versus sham in GA secondary to dry AMD. At month 12, avacincaptad pegol reduced GA growth by approximately 14 to 18 per cent versus sham (smaller effect size than GATHER1 but statistically significant). At month 24, the benefit persisted.
• Pooled GATHER1 + GATHER2 at 12 months — approximately 14 to 18 per cent GA growth reduction versus sham. BCVA at 12 months did not meet statistical significance versus sham; prespecified microperimetry and patient-reported outcomes did not show clinically meaningful functional benefit at 12 or 24 months.
• ISTAR open-label long-term extension — IVERIC bio / Astellas open-label observational follow-up of GATHER participants beyond 24 months. Continued anatomical benefit on FAF; continued favourable safety profile; no comparable post-marketing severe occlusive retinal vasculitis signal as seen with Syfovre. ISTAR is the principal long-term evidence base supporting continued Izervay use in the UK Specials pathway in 2026.
• Subgroup analysis — treatment effect on lesion growth appears broadly consistent across subfoveal and extrafoveal GA; some series suggest larger benefit in patients with intact preserved photoreceptor band at the lesion border on baseline OCT.
• Safety signal — wet AMD conversion — avacincaptad pegol increases the rate of conversion from dry to exudative wet AMD with choroidal neovascularisation: approximately 6 to 9 per cent over 24 months versus approximately 3 to 4 per cent with sham. Patients converting are treated with concurrent intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy.
• Safety signal — favourable retinal vasculitis profile — unlike Syfovre (Apellis), avacincaptad pegol has not been associated with a comparable post-marketing severe occlusive retinal vasculitis signal in the US 2023 to 2026 experience. This is a relevant counselling point for patients weighing C3 versus C5 complement inhibition.
• FDA Briefing Document and EMA Opinion — FDA accelerated approval August 2023; EMA CHMP negative opinion 2024 (refusal of marketing authorisation, congruent with their position on Syfovre); UK MHRA has not licensed avacincaptad pegol in 2026; NICE Technology Appraisal in scoping stage.
• Comparable evidence for Syfovre (pegcetacoplan) — OAKS (n=637) and DERBY (n=621) demonstrated approximately 17 to 22 per cent GA growth reduction in the monthly arm at 24 months; GALE 36-month extension. Head-to-head trial data versus Izervay are not yet available.

In short: Izervay slows GA lesion enlargement on FAF by approximately 14 to 18 per cent at 12 months versus sham, with continued anatomical benefit in ISTAR. It does not restore vision and BCVA endpoints have not reached statistical significance. The principal counselling points are the 6 to 9 per cent wet AMD conversion signal and the unlicensed Specials route status in the UK in 2026. The favourable retinal vasculitis profile compared with Syfovre is a relevant differential consideration. The choice between Izervay and Syfovre is individualised.

Izervay versus Syfovre versus observation

Honest head-to-head comparison of the GA treatment options in 2026:

• Izervay (avacincaptad pegol, C5 inhibitor; IVERIC bio / Astellas) — FDA approved August 2023, UK MHRA unlicensed (Specials route). C5 inhibition blocks only the terminal complement pathway (C5a anaphylatoxin and membrane attack complex C5b-9). GATHER1 / GATHER2 phase 3 trials demonstrated approximately 14 to 18 per cent GA growth reduction at 12 months. Wet AMD conversion 6 to 9 per cent at 24 months. Monthly dosing only (no EOM in original label). Favourable post-marketing safety profile compared with Syfovre (no comparable severe occlusive retinal vasculitis signal).
• Syfovre (pegcetacoplan, C3 / C3b inhibitor; Apellis) — FDA approved February 2023, UK MHRA unlicensed (Specials route). Broad-spectrum complement blockade at C3 (classical, lectin, alternative pathways). OAKS / DERBY / GALE trials demonstrated approximately 17 to 22 per cent GA growth reduction at 24 months and approximately 35 per cent at 36 months in the GALE extension. Monthly or EOM dosing. Wet AMD conversion 6 to 12 per cent at 24 months. Post-marketing severe occlusive retinal vasculitis signal (US 2023 to 2024, attributed to silicone oil microdroplets in early needle lots and specific manufacturing batches; later batches show lower event rates).
• Observation with AREDS2 supplementation — for patients who decline complement-inhibitor injection therapy, those with end-stage GA with little residual function, or those unwilling to accept the unlicensed Specials route and CNV conversion risk. AREDS2 reduces the rate of progression of intermediate-AMD to advanced-AMD and GA but does not stop established GA enlargement. Adjunctive low vision rehabilitation, magnifiers and electronic visual aids are coordinated as GA progresses.
• Photobiomodulation (LumiThera Valeda LIGHTSITE) — CE-marked for intermediate dry AMD; non-invasive office light-therapy delivered as a 9-minute treatment three times a week for 3 weeks every 4 to 6 months. Evidence is for intermediate dry AMD rather than established GA. Useful adjunct for selected earlier-stage patients.
• Emerging combination therapy and gene therapy — in 2026 several novel approaches are in clinical trials: gene therapy delivering complement factor H, small molecule oral complement inhibitors (iptacopan factor B inhibitor), regenerative cell therapy (RPE replacement), and combination of complement inhibitor plus anti-VEGF prophylaxis to mitigate CNV conversion risk. None are yet UK-licensed for GA. Patients seeking emerging options should be referred to a national tertiary medical retina centre with an active research portfolio.

For the detailed Syfovre comparator pathway and pricing see our private Syfovre injection dry AMD cost UK.

Who is Izervay the right choice for?

Izervay is FDA-approved for geographic atrophy secondary to age-related macular degeneration in adults. In the UK in 2026 it is accessed via the unlicensed Specials / named-patient import route. Ideal candidacy:

• Documented GA on fundus autofluorescence and OCT — sharp hypoautofluorescent lesion area with peri-lesional hyperautofluorescent junctional zone on FAF; outer retinal atrophy, RPE loss and choroidal hyper-transmission on OCT.
• Lesion characteristics suitable for the C5 inhibitor approach — measurable GA lesion area with trackable progression; both extrafoveal and subfoveal lesions show treatment benefit in GATHER subgroup analyses.
• Reasonable functional vision in the treated eye — BCVA typically 20/40 to 20/200 (both ends benefit; better acuity preserved by slowing further loss, worse acuity preserved peripheral function).
• No active CNV in the planned treated eye — OCT-A confirmation is mandatory; if CNV is present, anti-VEGF stabilisation is the priority before considering complement inhibition.
• Willing to commit to monthly injection therapy — 12 injections per year on the monthly schedule (Izervay does not have an EOM label).
• Informed acceptance of the 6 to 9 per cent CNV conversion risk over 24 months — managed with concurrent intravitreal anti-VEGF when it occurs.
• Able to give informed consent for an unlicensed Specials medicine — understanding of the FDA approval, EMA refusal, MHRA non-licensed position, and the Specials / named-patient import route.
• Preference for the favourable retinal vasculitis safety profile of C5 inhibition — relevant for patients weighing Izervay versus Syfovre.

Izervay is not the right choice for: patients with end-stage GA with little residual functional vision in the planned treated eye; patients with active untreated CNV requiring anti-VEGF stabilisation first; patients with active retinal vasculitis or recent ocular inflammatory disease; patients unable to commit to monthly injections for at least 12 months and quarterly FAF surveillance; patients unwilling to accept the CNV conversion signal; patients unable to give informed consent for an unlicensed Specials medicine; or patients with GA from non-AMD causes (Stargardt disease, central areolar choroidal dystrophy, mitochondrial myopathy) where the FDA approval and trial evidence base do not apply.

NHS versus private Izervay access

Izervay is not licensed by the UK MHRA in 2026 and is not commissioned on the NHS. UK NHS dry AMD pathways in 2026 focus on AREDS2 supplementation, smoking cessation, blood pressure and lipid management, annual OCT and FAF surveillance, rapid referral and treatment of any wet AMD conversion (highly effective with anti-VEGF therapy and routinely NHS-commissioned under NICE Technology Appraisals), and low-vision rehabilitation. Clinical trial enrolment in dry AMD remains the principal NHS-funded route to investigational disease-modifying GA therapy.

Private Izervay access in 2026 is via the unlicensed Specials / named-patient import route at selected CQC-registered London medical retina centres. The pathway requires explicit informed consent for an unlicensed medicine, documented Specials importation chain-of-custody, and individual prescribing responsibility taken by the consultant medical retina specialist. NICE Technology Appraisal for avacincaptad pegol is in scoping stage as of May 2026; until NICE issues positive guidance the route is private only.

For patients with rapidly progressing GA and good residual function the private Specials route is reasonable. For patients with slow-growing GA, adequate fellow-eye function or a strong preference to avoid an unlicensed medicine, observation with AREDS2 supplementation while awaiting NICE TA outcome is also reasonable. The choice should be discussed with the consultant medical retina specialist on an individualised basis.

Private medical insurance and Izervay

Almost certainly no cover for the drug-vial cost. UK private medical insurers (Bupa, AXA Health, Aviva, Vitality, WPA) do not generally cover unlicensed Specials medicines as a matter of standard policy, and avacincaptad pegol is currently unlicensed by the MHRA. The underlying consultant assessment, fundus autofluorescence, OCT, OCT angiography and the intravitreal injection procedure itself may be covered under standard ophthalmic or chronic eye disease benefits with pre-authorisation, but the avacincaptad pegol vial component (the principal cost driver) is typically excluded. Some insurers will consider a discretionary appeal where the consultant provides a comprehensive case, but approvals are infrequent. The clinic team prepares the pre-authorisation package, liaises with the insurer, and clearly itemises the insured and self-pay components before booking.

Risks of Izervay injections

Honest counselling on Izervay-specific and standard intravitreal risks:

• Wet AMD conversion (the principal Izervay-specific risk) — approximately 6 to 9 per cent of avacincaptad pegol-treated eyes develop choroidal neovascularisation over 24 months, versus approximately 3 to 4 per cent on sham. Managed with concurrent intravitreal anti-VEGF (faricimab Vabysmo, aflibercept Eylea, ranibizumab Lucentis) when it occurs; the patient then receives both complement-inhibitor and anti-VEGF therapy in the same eye, on a coordinated schedule.
• Favourable retinal vasculitis safety profile (compared with Syfovre) — unlike Syfovre, Izervay has not been associated with a comparable post-marketing severe occlusive retinal vasculitis signal in the US 2023 to 2026 experience. Sterile intra-ocular inflammation 1 to 2 per cent per injection (broadly comparable to other intravitreal agents).
• Endophthalmitis — less than 0.05 per cent per injection with povidone iodine prep; treated with immediate intravitreal antibiotics by a vitreoretinal surgeon.
• Retinal detachment — less than 0.1 per cent per injection; managed with vitreoretinal surgery if it occurs.
• Transient post-injection IOP rise — common; almost always resolves within 30 to 60 minutes; rare cases need acute IOP lowering.
• Mild peri-orbital tenderness, subconjunctival haemorrhage and transient floaters — very common; resolve over 24 to 72 hours.
• No restoration of lost vision — the principal counselling point: Izervay slows GA progression but does not restore lost vision. Expectations must be calibrated.
• Long-term commitment — ongoing monthly intravitreal injections for several years and 6-monthly FAF surveillance; treatment continuation reviewed at 12 to 24 months on the basis of FAF-documented slowing and patient-reported function.
• Unlicensed Specials route risk — the prescribing consultant takes individual clinical responsibility; the patient must understand and consent to the unlicensed route.

After your Izervay injection

The Izervay injection itself takes seconds. Total appointment time is 60 to 90 minutes, mostly for pupil dilation, OCT and FAF imaging where due, povidone iodine preparation and post-injection IOP measurement. Same-day discharge is routine. Mild peri-orbital tenderness, a small subconjunctival haemorrhage at the injection site, and transient floaters for 24 to 72 hours are normal and do not require treatment.

Sudden severe pain, increasing redness, sudden vision loss, photopsia or new significant floaters in the operated eye in the 7 days after injection should prompt urgent contact with the clinic (0800 852 7782) to exclude endophthalmitis, retinal detachment or sterile intra-ocular inflammation. Driving the day after the injection is usually fine once pupil dilation has resolved and the patient feels safe; Group 2 (HGV/PSV) DVLA licence holders need specific consultant clearance.

Long-term: 12 monthly injections per year, quarterly FAF and OCT surveillance to quantify GA lesion area change and screen for wet AMD conversion, fellow-eye AMD surveillance with home Amsler grid and 6-monthly OCT and FAF, AREDS2 nutritional supplementation throughout, and adjunctive low vision rehabilitation, magnifiers and electronic visual aids as GA progresses. The 0800 852 7782 advice line is available for individual queries throughout the treatment journey.

How to choose a UK clinic for Izervay

• Consultant credentials — UK GMC registration with medical retina subspecialty fellowship; documented complement-inhibitor injection experience and an established Specials / named-patient pathway for avacincaptad pegol.
• Imaging quality — Heidelberg Spectralis or comparable FAF, Heidelberg Spectralis or Zeiss Cirrus OCT, OCT angiography for CNV screening, near-infrared reflectance imaging.
• CQC registration — the clean room and minor procedure room must be CQC-registered.
• Specials importation chain-of-custody — documented relationship with a CQC- and MHRA-licensed Specials importer; batch and expiry documentation for every dose.
• Itemised quotation — consultant fee, FAF and OCT imaging, the Izervay drug, the injection procedure and the follow-up review should all be itemised.
• Structured quarterly surveillance schedule — FAF, OCT and OCT-A every 3 to 6 months to quantify treatment effect and screen for wet AMD conversion.
• Fellow-eye AMD surveillance — explicit fellow-eye monitoring plan with home Amsler grid and 6-monthly imaging.
• Anti-VEGF capability for CNV conversion — the centre must be able to deliver concurrent intravitreal anti-VEGF (faricimab, aflibercept, ranibizumab) on the same site if CNV converts during therapy.
• Continuity of named consultant — the consultant who consents and starts treatment should lead the long-term follow-up.
• Low vision and rehabilitation referral pathway — coordinated referral to low vision optometry, magnifier and electronic visual aid provision, and registered visual impairment (CVI) certification as appropriate.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a private Izervay injection cost in the UK in 2026?

UK 2026 self-pay private Izervay is £1,700–£3,000 per injection, all-inclusive at CQC-registered London medical retina centres. Year 1 monthly (12 injections) totals £20,400–£36,000. Izervay does not have an every-other-month label in 2026. The avacincaptad pegol drug-vial cost (Specials import) is the dominant pricing component.

What is Izervay (avacincaptad pegol) and how does it work?

Izervay is a pegylated synthetic RNA aptamer (IVERIC bio / Astellas) that binds complement component C5, blocking its cleavage to C5a (anaphylatoxin) and C5b (which forms the membrane attack complex). By inhibiting the terminal complement pathway, avacincaptad pegol reduces complement-driven RPE and photoreceptor loss in geographic atrophy. Delivered as a 2 mg / 0.1 mL intravitreal injection monthly.

Is Izervay approved in the UK?

No. The FDA approved Izervay under accelerated approval in August 2023 on GATHER1 and GATHER2 phase 3 trials. The EMA refused marketing authorisation in 2024. The UK MHRA has not licensed avacincaptad pegol. UK private access in 2026 is via the unlicensed Specials / named-patient import route under MHRA Specials guidance.

What did GATHER1 and GATHER2 show?

GATHER1 (Khanani et al., Ophthalmology 2021; n=286) and GATHER2 (Khanani et al., Lancet 2023; n=448) phase 3 RCTs demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in GA lesion growth on fundus autofluorescence of approximately 14 to 18 per cent at 12 months versus sham. BCVA at 12 and 24 months did not meet statistical significance versus sham.

Does Izervay improve my vision?

No. Izervay slows GA progression on FAF but does not restore lost vision. BCVA in GATHER1 and GATHER2 did not meet statistical significance versus sham. The clinical value is to slow centrifugal GA expansion. Expectations must be calibrated to preservation rather than recovery.

Does the NHS pay for Izervay?

No. Izervay is not commissioned on the NHS in 2026 because the MHRA has not licensed it. NHS dry AMD pathways focus on AREDS2 supplementation, smoking cessation, surveillance and rapid wet AMD conversion treatment.

Izervay versus Syfovre — which is better?

Both have broadly comparable anatomical benefit (~14-22 per cent reduction in GA lesion growth) and inconclusive BCVA outcomes. Izervay (C5 inhibitor) has not been associated with the post-marketing severe occlusive retinal vasculitis signal that emerged with Syfovre (C3 inhibitor) in 2023-2024 — a relevant counselling point. Both are unlicensed in the UK and accessed via Specials. Choice is individualised.

What is the wet AMD conversion risk on Izervay?

Approximately 6 to 9 per cent of Izervay-treated eyes develop wet AMD over 24 months versus approximately 3 to 4 per cent on sham. Managed with concurrent anti-VEGF therapy when it occurs.

Will private medical insurance pay for Izervay?

Almost certainly not for the drug-vial cost, because most insurers do not cover unlicensed Specials medicines. The consultant assessment, imaging and injection procedure components may be covered with pre-authorisation; the drug component is typically self-pay. The clinic team prepares the pre-authorisation package and itemises the components.

How often will I need Izervay injections?

Monthly (every 25 to 35 days, approximately 12 injections per year). Unlike Syfovre, Izervay does not have a labelled every-other-month schedule in 2026; the GATHER1 / GATHER2 evidence base is for monthly dosing.

What are the alternatives to Izervay for dry AMD?

Pegcetacoplan (Syfovre, C3 inhibitor, also unlicensed in the UK), photobiomodulation (CE-marked for intermediate dry AMD), AREDS2 supplementation, clinical trial enrolment in gene therapy or small-molecule programmes, and watchful waiting with low-vision rehabilitation. See our private Syfovre injection dry AMD cost UK.

Can I have Izervay in both eyes?

Yes, where both eyes qualify and the patient accepts the doubled cost (~£40,800-£72,000 annually for bilateral monthly). Injections are not given to both eyes on the same day; spaced by 1-2 weeks. Bilateral treatment is uncommon in UK private practice due to cost and functional benefit uncertainty.

When can I drive after an Izervay injection?

Most patients drive the day after the injection once pupil dilation has resolved. Group 2 (HGV/PSV) licence holders need specific consultant clearance. Sudden severe pain or vision loss should prompt urgent contact with the clinic (0800 852 7782). See also our anti-VEGF injections overview for related post-injection guidance.

Methodology and sources

This UK 2026 patient pricing and pathway guide was prepared by the Eye Surgery Clinic editorial team and reviewed by a UK GMC-registered consultant ophthalmologist with medical retina subspecialty interest. Pricing reflects a CQC-registered UK medical retina sample audited against published 2025 to 2026 self-pay tariffs from the major UK medical retina providers and the IVERIC bio / Astellas Specials importation channel. Clinical statements are anchored on:

• Khanani AM, Patel SS, Staurenghi G, et al. Avacincaptad pegol for geographic atrophy secondary to age-related macular degeneration: GATHER1 phase 3 randomised clinical trial. Ophthalmology 2021.
• Khanani AM, Patel SS, Staurenghi G, et al. Efficacy and safety of avacincaptad pegol in GATHER2: a phase 3 randomised clinical trial. Lancet 2023.
• IVERIC bio / Astellas ISTAR open-label long-term extension safety and efficacy updates (presented at American Academy of Ophthalmology Retina Subspecialty Day and EURETINA).
• Liao DS, Grossi FV, El Mehdi D, et al. Complement C3 inhibitor pegcetacoplan for geographic atrophy: phase 2 and phase 3 (OAKS) trials. Ophthalmology 2023.
• Heier JS, Lad EM, Holz FG, et al. Pegcetacoplan for the treatment of geographic atrophy: 24-month results from the DERBY phase 3 trial. Ophthalmology 2024.
• FDA Briefing Document, Izervay (avacincaptad pegol), August 2023.
• EMA CHMP Opinion on avacincaptad pegol, refusal of marketing authorisation 2024.
• UK MHRA Specials guidance and Specials Import Licence framework.
• NICE Technology Appraisal scoping document for avacincaptad pegol in geographic atrophy (in scoping stage as of May 2026).
• Royal College of Ophthalmologists AMD Guidance (latest edition).
• American Academy of Ophthalmology Age-Related Macular Degeneration Preferred Practice Pattern.
• EURETINA AMD Treatment Recommendations.
• Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection reports for major UK medical retina units (Moorfields Eye Hospital, Cromwell Hospital, Optegra Eye Hospital, the AMD service at the Royal Free Hospital).
• General Medical Council (GMC) Good Medical Practice and consent guidance.

This page is editorial and educational. It is not personalised medical advice. Izervay suitability can only be confirmed by an in-person medical retina consultation with FAF, OCT and OCT-A.

Book your UK Izervay / geographic atrophy consultation

Speak directly to a UK GMC-registered consultant ophthalmologist with medical retina subspecialty interest and an established Specials / named-patient pathway for avacincaptad pegol. Same-week consultation slots are usually available. Fundus autofluorescence (FAF), OCT macula and OCT angiography are included in the consultation. Confidential, no-obligation review of whether Izervay, Syfovre or observation with AREDS2 supplementation is right for your eye, with full discussion of MHRA / NICE status, wet AMD conversion risk and the long-term commitment to monthly injection therapy.

Related reading: Private Syfovre injection dry AMD cost UK · Private faricimab (Vabysmo) injection cost UK · Private anti-VEGF wet AMD injections London · Dry AMD condition guide · Macular degeneration condition guide · Macular degeneration treatments overview