FDA Approves IgAN Drug Shown to Help Reduce Protein in Urine

There is no current cure for immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN); however, a promising new drug granted accelerated approval may help treat it. Tarpeyo (budesonide) delayed-release capsules have been shown to reduce protein levels in urine in adults with IgAN at high risk of rapid disease progression.

What is IgAN?

IgAN, also called Berger's disease, is a rare disease that damages the kidneys' tiny filtering units.

Generally, the protein immunoglobulin A (IgA) is released when the body needs to fight infection. In some cases, the protein inflames the kidneys, causing them to leak protein and blood. Over time, this may cause the kidneys to lose function and even fail.

Causes and symptoms

The causes of IgAN aren't well known other than it’s an immune response gone wrong and genetic factors may also be involved. There are many different signs and symptoms, but the most common ones are:

Hematuria: blood in the urine that may make it appear dark brown
Proteinuria: foamy urine caused by high levels of protein

Tarpeyo has been shown to reduce protein in the urine.

Learn more about IgAN.

What is accelerated approval?

New drugs can take many years to get approved, so the FDA instituted new regulations that accelerate or shorten, the length of time needed to gain approval. The drug must meet an unmet medical need for a severe condition and prove effective with an intermediate or temporary endpoint to receive it.

In this case, Tarpeyo has been proven to reduce protein in the urine. However, there isn’t enough data to know if Tarpeyo slows kidney function decline in people with IgAN. Future clinical trials over an extended period will be required to determine the answer.

Learn more about clinical trials.

How was Tarpeyo tested?

Researchers conducted a randomized, double-blind study. This means neither the researchers nor patients knew who was getting real medicine and who was getting a placebo, which looks just like the real medicine but is made from inactive ingredients. After nine months, the study participants' urine protein-to-creatine ratio (UPCR) was measured and evaluated. People taking Tarpeyo had, on average, 34% less UPCR compared to the placebo group, which averaged a 5% reduction.

Is it safe?

When starting a new medicine, it is important to consider the possible side effects and the potential benefits. During the study, researchers found common side effects to include:

high blood pressure
swelling in the lower legs and hands
muscle spasms
acne
skin irritation
weight increase
difficulty breathing
face swelling
indigestion
fatigue
excess hair

In addition to these side effects, there are a few other things to consider:

Severe reactions have occurred, so people allergic to budesonide or other ingredients in Tarpeyo should not take it
Tarpeyo is a corticosteroid, meaning it can cause high or low levels of cortisol
People with infections or prone to infections may need to avoid it because it is an immunosuppressant
Tarpeyo may also decrease the immune response to some vaccines

Is Tarpeyo available?

Yes, Tarpeyo is now available for prescription.

NKF Cares

Have questions? Speak with a trained specialist through our Patient Information Help Line, NKF Cares. To get started, call toll-free at 855.NKF.CARES (855.653.2273) weekdays from 9:00 am - 7:00 pm Eastern Time or email nkfcares@kidney.org.