Ophthotech Corporation announced that the first patient has been dosed in a Phase 2/3 clinical study of Zimura® (avacincaptad pegol sodium), an inhibitor of complement factor C5, in patients with geographic atrophy, an advanced form of dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Complement factor C5 is a central component of the complement cascade believed to be involved in the development of AMD. The Phase 2/3 randomized, double-masked, controlled trial is designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Zimura® monotherapy in patients with geographic atrophy.

The Company has also recently announced the initiation of a Phase 2 study of Zimura® in combination with anti-VEGF therapy in wet AMD patients to potentially reduce the treatment burden.