STAT+: 6 things to know about Apellis’ eye drug ahead of FDA decision

The Food and Drug Administration is nearing a decision on the first treatment for geographic atrophy, a progressive eye disease and a leading cause of blindness in older people. Apellis Pharmaceuticals, the drug’s maker, has expressed public confidence in the data supporting approval. Investors are more divided.

The agency has until Feb. 26 to issue a ruling on the Apellis drug, three months longer than originally anticipated. The extended review — along with the FDA’s decision to not convene an advisory panel of outside experts — are central to the approval controversy. So, too, is the January announcement by Apellis’ longtime chief medical officer that he would be departing the company.

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