Retina Matters

Astellas Pharma

Welcome to “Retina Matters," where eye care professionals come together to share their insights, experiences, and discuss the latest in treatment for retinal diseases – tune in and stay ahead of the curve. Please see episode description for Important Safety Information and visit bit.ly/4l9n7oP for full Prescribing Information. For U.S. Healthcare Professionals Only. MAT-US-IZE-2025-00225 06/25

Episodes

  1. Jun 29 ·  Video

    Rethinking GA: A Clinical Shift Toward Earlier Detection and Management

    Geographic atrophy (GA) management is rapidly evolving. In this episode, host Weslie Hamada, OD, FAAO, sits down with retina specialist David Chin Yee, MD, to discuss how therapies are changing the way clinicians identify and approach GA. From imaging-based risk assessment to referral coordination and treatment considerations, they examine opportunities for proactive management to help slow the progression of GA. For U.S. healthcare providers only.   IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION AND INDICATION CONTRAINDICATIONS IZERVAY® (avacincaptad pegol intravitreal solution) is contraindicated in patients with ocular or periocular infections and in patients with active intraocular inflammation.   WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Endophthalmitis and Retinal Detachments Intravitreal injections may be associated with endophthalmitis and retinal detachments. Proper aseptic injection technique must always be used when administering IZERVAY in order to minimize the risk of endophthalmitis. Patients should be instructed to report any symptoms suggestive of endophthalmitis or retinal detachment without delay, to permit prompt and appropriate management.  Neovascular AMD In the GATHER1 and GATHER2 clinical trials, use of IZERVAY was associated with increased rates of neovascular (wet) AMD or choroidal neovascularization (7% when administered monthly and 4% in the sham group) by Month 12. Over 24 months, the rate of neovascular (wet) AMD or choroidal neovascularization in the GATHER2 trial was 12% in the IZERVAY group and 9% in the sham group. Patients receiving IZERVAY should be monitored for signs of neovascular AMD.   Increase in Intraocular Pressure Transient increases in intraocular pressure (IOP) have been observed after an intravitreal injection, including with IZERVAY. Perfusion of the optic nerve head should be monitored following the injection and managed as needed.   ADVERSE REACTIONS Most common adverse reactions (incidence >5% and occurred with frequency >2% vs. sham) reported in patients receiving IZERVAY for up to 24 months in GATHER2: conjunctival hemorrhage, blurred vision, increased IOP, wet AMD, punctate keratitis, and eye pain.   INDICATION IZERVAY is indicated for the treatment of geographic atrophy (GA) secondary to age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Visit podcast webpage or https://bit.ly/izervayprescribinginfo for Full Prescribing Information To request medical information, please call 1-800-727-7003 or send an email to medinfo.americas@astellas.com. To report an adverse event or product complaint, please call 1-800-727-7003 or send an email to safety-us@astellas.com. MAT-US-IZE-2026-00580 05/26

  2. Jun 4 ·  Video

    From Trial to Treatment: Bridging the Gap with OLE Data in GA Management

    In this episode of Retina Matters, host Weslie Hamada, OD, FAAO, sits down with renowned retina specialist Arshad Khanani, MD, to take a closer look at what the open label extension (OLE) trial tells us about the treatment of geographic atrophy (GA). From added clinical nuance to real-world decision-making, they unpack how emerging insights are shaping a more informed, forward-looking approach to GA care. For U.S. healthcare providers only. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION AND INDICATION CONTRAINDICATIONS IZERVAY® (avacincaptad pegol intravitreal solution) is contraindicated in patients with ocular or periocular infections and in patients with active intraocular inflammation. WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Endophthalmitis and Retinal Detachments Intravitreal injections may be associated with endophthalmitis and retinal detachments. Proper aseptic injection technique must always be used when administering IZERVAY in order to minimize the risk of endophthalmitis. Patients should be instructed to report any symptoms suggestive of endophthalmitis or retinal detachment without delay, to permit prompt and appropriate management.  Neovascular AMD In the GATHER1 and GATHER2 clinical trials, use of IZERVAY was associated with increased rates of neovascular (wet) AMD or choroidal neovascularization (7% when administered monthly and 4% in the sham group) by Month 12. Over 24 months, the rate of neovascular (wet) AMD or choroidal neovascularization in the GATHER2 trial was 12% in the IZERVAY group and 9% in the sham group. Patients receiving IZERVAY should be monitored for signs of neovascular AMD. Increase in Intraocular Pressure Transient increases in intraocular pressure (IOP) have been observed after an intravitreal injection, including with IZERVAY. Perfusion of the optic nerve head should be monitored following the injection and managed as needed. ADVERSE REACTIONS Most common adverse reactions (incidence >5% and occurred with frequency >2% vs. sham) reported in patients receiving IZERVAY for up to 24 months in GATHER2: conjunctival hemorrhage, blurred vision, increased IOP, wet AMD, punctate keratitis, and eye pain. INDICATION IZERVAY is indicated for the treatment of geographic atrophy (GA) secondary to age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Visit show website or https://bit.ly/IZERVAY_PI for Full Prescribing Information To request medical information, please call 1-800-727-7003 or send an email to medinfo.americas@astellas.com. To report an adverse event or product complaint, please call 1-800-727-7003 or send an email to safety-us@astellas.com. MAT-US-IZE-2026-00483 04/26

  3. Apr 1

    Embracing a Proactive Mindset in Geographic Atrophy Management

    In the inaugural episode of Retina Matters, host Weslie Hamada, OD, FAAO, IZERVAY Marketing Lead at Astellas, is joined by Priya Vakharia, MD, a renowned retina specialist. They delve into the evolving landscape of geographic atrophy management, discussing the latest advancements and why slowing disease progression and potentially preserving vision for longer matters for GA patients. Tune in to gain valuable insights and hear real-world experiences from one of the field's leading experts. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION AND INDICATION CONTRAINDICATIONS IZERVAY® (avacincaptad pegol intravitreal solution) is contraindicated in patients with ocular or periocular infections and in patients with active intraocular inflammation. WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Endophthalmitis and Retinal Detachments Intravitreal injections may be associated with endophthalmitis and retinal detachments. Proper aseptic injection technique must always be used when administering IZERVAY in order to minimize the risk of endophthalmitis. Patients should be instructed to report any symptoms suggestive of endophthalmitis or retinal detachment without delay, to permit prompt and appropriate management. Neovascular AMD In the GATHER1 and GATHER2 clinical trials, use of IZERVAY was associated with increased rates of neovascular (wet) AMD or choroidal neovascularization (7% when administered monthly and 4% in the sham group) by Month 12. Over 24 months, the rate of neovascular (wet) AMD or choroidal neovascularization in the GATHER2 trial was 12% in the IZERVAY group and 9% in the sham group. Patients receiving IZERVAY should be monitored for signs of neovascular AMD. Increase in Intraocular Pressure Transient increases in intraocular pressure (IOP) have been observed after an intravitreal injection, including with IZERVAY. Perfusion of the optic nerve head should be monitored following the injection and managed as needed. ADVERSE REACTIONS Most common adverse reactions (incidence >5% and occurred with frequency >2% vs. sham) reported in patients receiving IZERVAY for up to 24 months in GATHER2: conjunctival hemorrhage, blurred vision, increased IOP, wet AMD, punctate keratitis, and eye pain. INDICATION IZERVAY is indicated for the treatment of geographic atrophy (GA) secondary to age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Visit episode webpage or https://bit.ly/IZERVAYPI for Full Prescribing Information. To request medical information, please call 1-800-727-7003 or send an email to medinfo.americas@astellas.com. To report an adverse event or product complaint, please call 1-800-727-7003 or send an email to safety-us@astellas.com. MAT-US-IZE-2026-00181 03/26 For U.S. healthcare providers only.

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Welcome to “Retina Matters," where eye care professionals come together to share their insights, experiences, and discuss the latest in treatment for retinal diseases – tune in and stay ahead of the curve. Please see episode description for Important Safety Information and visit bit.ly/4l9n7oP for full Prescribing Information. For U.S. Healthcare Professionals Only. MAT-US-IZE-2025-00225 06/25