Syfovre injections were advertised to prevent blindness, but they have been linked to a vision-threatening side effect called retinal vasculitis.
What You Can Do & How We Can Help
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Syfovre induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know was diagnosed with retinal vasculitis, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Defective Drug Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
What is Syfovre?
Syfovre (pegcetacoplan injection) was approved in February 2023 as the first-ever treatment for an eye disease called geographic atrophy, which causes patchy lesions to form in the eye. Left untreated, the lesions can grow larger and obstruct vision.
Syfovre is manufactured by Apellis Pharmaceuticals, a biopharmaceutical company based in Massachusetts.
What is the Problem?
The American Society of Retinal Specialists (ASRS) has flagged concerns about a possible link between Syfovre and retinal vasculitis, a side effect that can cause severe eye inflammation, vision loss, and blindness.
As of January 2024, the ASRS said that “fourteen eyes of 13 patients have been confirmed to have retinal vasculitis by review of imaging studies. All cases occurred after the first [Syfovre] injection.”
What Happened?
In a letter issued to doctors in July 2023, the ASRS reported that 6 patients developed a severe type of eye inflammation known as occlusive retinal vasculitis after receiving injections of Syfovre.
According to the case repots, retinal vasculitis occurred 1-2 weeks after the patient’s received their first injection of Syfovre, which is given every 25 to 60 days.
What is Occlusive Retinal Vasculitis?
Occlusive retinal vasculitis is a type of eye inflammation that blocks blood-flow through vessels that supply blood to the retina. It is a severe side effect that can cause permanent vision loss or blindness.
Symptoms of Retinal Vasculitis
- Blurry vision
- Flashes
- Floaters
- Scotoma
- Altered color vision
- Pain
- Visual defects or distorted vision
Doctors May Not Be Aware of Retinal Vaculitis Risk
During clinical trials, Syfovre was linked to an increased risk of new blood vessels forming. The label also includes warnings about inflammation and infections.
Retinal vasculitis was not listed on the original warning label, even after 23,000 injections were administered and some patients developed severe eye inflammation.
Apellis Announces Safety Warning for Syfovre Needle Kits
In August 2023, Apellis warned about “rare safety events” that may be linked to “variations” in the needle kit. The company warned healthcare providers to immediately stop using injection kits with a 19-gauge filter needle, and instead only use kits with an 18-gauge needle.
Do I have a Syfovre Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Syfovre induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know was diagnosed with retinal vasculitis, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Defective Drug Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
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