A phase 3 clinical trial published by the New England Journal of Medicine found that iptacopan, a drug targeting part of the immune system, much slowed kidney function decline in patients with IgA nephropathy.
The New England Journal of Medicine has posted results from the APPLAUSE-IgAN trial, a placebo-controlled phase 3 study testing iptacopan in people with IgA nephropathy (IgAN) — a condition where a protein called IgA builds up in the kidneys, causing inflammation and, over time, loss of kidney function. According to the journal, the drug considerably slowed that decline compared with placebo.
Iptacopan works by blocking complement factor B, a protein involved in the alternative complement pathway — part of the body’s immune defence system that, in people with IgAN, becomes overactive and attacks kidney tissue rather than protecting it.
IgAN is one of the most common forms of kidney disease (nephropathy) worldwide. There is currently no cure, and treatment has largely focused on managing blood pressure and reducing protein in the urine to slow damage.
The APPLAUSE-IgAN results represent a phase 3 finding — the final and largest stage of clinical testing before a drug can be considered for regulatory approval. But it is worth being clear: the journal post does not confirm the drug is available on the NHS, and no guidance from NHS England or the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) on iptacopan has been announced at this stage.
Patients in Kent living with IgAN who have questions about their treatment should speak to their kidney specialist (nephrologist) or GP rather than drawing conclusions from trial data alone. NHS 111 can also advise on next steps if you’re concerned about kidney symptoms.
Key information
- Speak to your GP or kidney specialist if you have IgAN and want to know whether new treatments may be relevant to your care
- NHS 111 (call or online) is available for general health queries at any time
- NHS Kent and Medway ICB is the local body overseeing kidney and other specialist services across the county
Source: @NEJM