Novel agents for treating IgA nephropathy

Current Opinion in Nephrology & Hypertension, vol. 32, pp. 418–426

Abstract

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: In the past, the treatment of IgA nephropathy (IgAN), which is the most common glomerulonephritis worldwide, mostly relied on blockade of the renin-angiotensin system as a central component of so-called supportive therapy as well as on high-dose systemic corticosteroid therapy. RECENT FINDINGS: The supportive treatment arm has been expanded by the addition of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors, hydroxychloroquine, and, most recently, endothelin A receptor blockers. Treatment with high-dose systemic corticosteroids has become more controversial, with some studies observing no benefit and others documenting the protection of kidney function. However, all recent studies on systemic corticosteroids consistently found significant toxicity. An important novel approach to IgAN, therefore, is therapy with a targeted release formulation of budesonide with preferential release in the distal small intestine, given the mounting evidence for a gut-kidney axis in the pathophysiology of IgAN. In addition, emerging new therapeutic options include a variety of complement inhibitors as well as agents targeting B-cell proliferation and differentiation. SUMMARY: In recent years, IgAN has become the focus of a considerable number of clinical studies that will significantly advance the development of new therapy strategies.

Authors 3

1. Uta Kunter Aachen Division of Nephrology and Rheumatology

   RWTH Aachen University · Universitätsklinikum Aachen

   Affiliation as printed

   Division of Nephrology and Rheumatology, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Aachen, Germany

2. Claudia Seikrit Aachen Division of Nephrology and Rheumatology

   RWTH Aachen University · Universitätsklinikum Aachen

   Affiliation as printed

   Division of Nephrology and Rheumatology, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Aachen, Germany

3. Jürgen Floege corresponding Aachen Division of Nephrology and Rheumatology to Jürgen Floege

   RWTH Aachen University · Universitätsklinikum Aachen

   Affiliation as printed

   Division of Nephrology and Rheumatology, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Aachen, Germany

   to Jürgen Floege, MD, Division of Nephrology and Rheumatology, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Pauwelsstr. 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany. Tel: +49 241 8089531; e-mail: [email protected]

   e-mail: [email protected]

   to Jürgen Floege, MD, Division of Nephrology and Rheumatology, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Pauwelsstr. 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany. Tel: +49 241 8089531