#USA #Astellas Pharma #Geographic Atrophy #Babs Costello #Northbrook, IL

Astellas and Barbara Costello Team Up to Fight Geographic Atrophy

Astellas Pharma US Inc., known for its innovation in the pharmaceutical industry, has embarked on a significant partnership with beloved internet personality and grandmother, Barbara 'Babs' Costello. This collaboration aims to challenge the widely held perception that changes in eyesight are merely a natural aspect of aging. Together, they focus on raising awareness about geographic atrophy (GA), a severe condition linked to advanced dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD), that can lead to irreversible vision loss.

Understanding Geographic Atrophy:

Geographic atrophy is a progressive form of dry AMD characterized by damage to the retinal cells, leading to a steady decline in vision. Barbara Costello knows firsthand the impact of retaining good eyesight, especially given her family history with retinal diseases; her father struggled with dry AMD, and her sister is currently fighting the disease, which often transitions to GA. However, it's important to note that Babs herself does not have GA and is not a patient receiving Astellas' treatment, IZERVAY™ (avacincaptad pegol), an FDA-approved intravitreal injection used for managing GA.

The Significance of Early Detection:

One of the main goals of this partnership is to emphasize the necessity of regular eye exams as a proactive measure to identify GA at its earliest stages. Early detection can potentially influence the course of the disease and improve the quality of life for those affected. Statistics reveal that approximately 1.5 million people in the U.S. live with GA, with about 160,000 new cases diagnosed each year. Symptoms can be subtle, starting with difficulty in night vision, blurred text, or wavy lines appearing straight. Babs urges everyone, especially those over the age of 55 — who are most likely to develop GA — to have annual eye appointments.

Babs' Vision for Change:

Babs Costello remarked on the essentiality of eye health, stating, "For many, aging seems intertwined with vision loss. That's why I'm proud to partner with Astellas to bring awareness to GA, as it can start with negligible symptoms or changes that go unnoticed. The sooner one is diagnosed and begins discussing treatment options with their doctor, the better their chances of managing the condition."

Jake Schumacher, the U.S. Head of IZERVAY at Astellas, expressed his excitement for the collaboration, pointing out that the unpredictability of GA necessitates prompt action. Once the condition induces vision loss, it cannot be reversed, adversely affecting daily tasks, from reading to recognizing loved ones.

Astellas is keen to educate people about the risk factors associated with GA, including family history and lifestyle choices such as smoking or cardiovascular health. “We aim to empower individuals about their eye health and encourage discussions with healthcare providers regarding their treatment choices, which may include our innovative drug, IZERVAY,” Schumacher mentioned.

Next Steps:

Those interested in learning more about geographic atrophy and listening to Babs' personal story can visit IZERVAY.com or follow Astellas on social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook. The website offers valuable resources about eye health and advances in GA treatments.

Astellas remains steadfast in its mission: to transform innovative science into valuable healthcare solutions for patients. As they continue to educate and inspire individuals through partnerships like that with Babs Costello, they promote a future for those affected by GA filled with hope and proactive care.