Google Search Trends to Assess Public Interest and Concern About Pegcetacoplan for the Treatment of Geographic Atrophy

Abstract

Objective: To assess global trends in interest surrounding the newly Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved treatment for geographic atrophy, (GA), Syfovre (pegcetacoplan), and related searches. Methods: We utilized Google Trends, in order to gauge the public interest in Syfovre from October 16, 2022, to October 8, 2023. Results: Notable spikes in relative search volumes (RSV)s for “Syfovre” were observed in mid-to-late February 2023, and in March and April 2023, coinciding with the drug's FDA approval and introduction to the market. Of the various side effects, retinal vasculitis garnered the most significant attention, with a sharp rise in RSV in mid-July 2023. Geographic variation was evident, with the highest RSVs for “Syfovre” originating from users on the East Coast. Conclusion: Google Trends proves to be a useful tool for gaining insight into public interest in pegcetacoplan as a treatment for GA. [ Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina 2024;55:452–460.]