Peptide library / Heart & blood / Pegcetacoplan
Pegcetacoplan
A pegylated cyclic peptide that blocks complement C3, approved for a rare blood disorder and for an eye disease.
Effects studied or claimed
What it is used or promoted for, and where each effect has actually been seen
- Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuriaFDA approved
- Geographic atrophy in dry macular degenerationFDA approved
How it is thought to work
Pegcetacoplan binds C3 and stops the complement cascade that destroys red blood cells in PNH and damages retinal cells in geographic atrophy.
What the evidence shows
The PEGASUS trial showed better hemoglobin response than eculizumab in PNH.
Safety and unknowns
Serious infections with encapsulated bacteria are a boxed warning. Eye injections can cause inflammation.
Regulatory status
FDA-approved as Empaveli (2021) and as the eye injection Syfovre (2023).
Regulatory status changes quickly. This entry was last reviewed on 27 October 2026. Confirm current status with the FDA before relying on it.
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General information, not medical advice. Do not buy or inject unregulated peptides.