Astellas receives permanent J-code for avacincaptad pegol intravitreal solution for GA

(Image Credit: AdobeStock/joyfotoliakid)

Iveric Bio, an Astellas company, announced the US Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has assigned a unique, permanent Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPS) J-code for avacincaptad pegol intravitreal solution (Izervay) for the treatment of geographic atrophy (GA) secondary to age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

The new J-code, J2782, is effective April 1, 2024, according to the news release.¹

Michael Petroutsas, head of US Commercial, pointed out that GA can lead to irreversible vision loss and early treatment can have a significant impact on patients' lives.

“Receiving a permanent J-code in the US supports our efforts to increase timely patient access to IZERVAY, the first and only FDA approved GA treatment to demonstrate a statistically significant reduction in the rate of GA progression in just 12 months across two pivotal trials,” he said in a news release.

J-codes are used by US government and commercial payers, as well as physicians and their office staff, to streamline the billing and reimbursement process for intravitreal injections and certain other treatments.

Since its US launch in September 2023, more than 40,000 avacincaptad pegol intravitreal solution vials have been distributed to physician practices. The permanent J-code for avacincaptad pegol intravitreal solution is expected to accelerate patient access in the U.S. and has been published on the CMS website.²

References:

1. Inc APU. Astellas Receives Permanent J-code for IZERVAYTM (avacincaptad pegol intravitreal solution) for Geographic Atrophy. www.prnewswire.com. Accessed March 26, 2024. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/astellas-receives-permanent-j-code-for-izervay-avacincaptad-pegol-intravitreal-solution-for-geographic-atrophy-302098783.html

2. ‌https://www.cms.gov/files/document/2023-hcpcs-application-summary-quarter-4-2023-drugs-and-biologicals-posted-01/26/2024-updated-03/04.pdf