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Escudero-Saiz VJ, Gonzalez Á, García-Herrera A, Larque AB, Bomback AS, Morantes L, Martínez-Chillarón M, Ollé J, Guillén E, Xipell M, Molina-Andújar A, Rodríguez D, Cuadrado E, Cacho J, Arana C, Esforzado N, Bastida C, Poch E, Diekman F, Cucchiari D, Quintana LF, Blasco M. Factor B Inhibition with Iptacopan in Recurrent C3 Glomerulopathy Following Kidney Transplant: A Report of Two Cases. Kidney Med 2024; 6:100823. [PMID: 38741947 PMCID: PMC11089394 DOI: 10.1016/j.xkme.2024.100823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
C3 glomerulopathy is a rare disease caused by fluid phase dysregulation of the alternative complement pathway. Currently, treatment depends on clinical and histological severity and includes nephroprotection, unspecific immunosuppression, and terminal complement blockers (C5), without having an etiological treatment approved. C3 glomerulopathy has high recurrence rates after kidney transplantation with a high risk of graft loss. Fortunately, new molecules are being developed that specifically target the proximal alternative complement pathway, such as iptacopan, a factor B inhibitor that showed promising results in native kidneys and cases of transplant recurrence in a phase 2 clinical trial. We present 2 "real-world" cases of C3 glomerulopathy recurrence in kidney allografts treated with iptacopan, with initial excellent clinical response and safety profile, especially with early introduction. We also present follow-up biopsies that showed no C3 deposition during factor B inhibition. Our cases suggest that proximal blockade of the alternative complement pathway can be effective and safe in the treatment of C3 glomerulopathy recurrence in kidney transplantation, bringing other questions such as dual blockade (eg, in C3 and C5), the optimal patient profile to benefit from factor B inhibition or treatment duration and its potential use in other forms of membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (eg, immune complex-mediated).
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Affiliation(s)
- Víctor J. Escudero-Saiz
- Nephrology and Kidney Transplantation Department, National Reference Center on Complex Glomerular Disease (CSUR), IDIBAPS, Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ángela Gonzalez
- Nephrology and Kidney Transplantation Department, National Reference Center on Complex Glomerular Disease (CSUR), IDIBAPS, Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Ana B. Larque
- Pathology Service, Hospital Clínic Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Andrew S. Bomback
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - Laura Morantes
- Nephrology and Kidney Transplantation Department, National Reference Center on Complex Glomerular Disease (CSUR), IDIBAPS, Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Martínez-Chillarón
- Nephrology and Kidney Transplantation Department, National Reference Center on Complex Glomerular Disease (CSUR), IDIBAPS, Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Júlia Ollé
- Nephrology and Kidney Transplantation Department, National Reference Center on Complex Glomerular Disease (CSUR), IDIBAPS, Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elena Guillén
- Nephrology and Kidney Transplantation Department, National Reference Center on Complex Glomerular Disease (CSUR), IDIBAPS, Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marc Xipell
- Nephrology and Kidney Transplantation Department, National Reference Center on Complex Glomerular Disease (CSUR), IDIBAPS, Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alicia Molina-Andújar
- Nephrology and Kidney Transplantation Department, National Reference Center on Complex Glomerular Disease (CSUR), IDIBAPS, Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Diana Rodríguez
- Nephrology and Kidney Transplantation Department, National Reference Center on Complex Glomerular Disease (CSUR), IDIBAPS, Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elena Cuadrado
- Nephrology and Kidney Transplantation Department, National Reference Center on Complex Glomerular Disease (CSUR), IDIBAPS, Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Judit Cacho
- Nephrology and Kidney Transplantation Department, National Reference Center on Complex Glomerular Disease (CSUR), IDIBAPS, Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carolt Arana
- Nephrology and Kidney Transplantation Department, National Reference Center on Complex Glomerular Disease (CSUR), IDIBAPS, Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Núria Esforzado
- Nephrology and Kidney Transplantation Department, National Reference Center on Complex Glomerular Disease (CSUR), IDIBAPS, Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carla Bastida
- Pharmacy Department, Division of Medicines, Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Esteban Poch
- Nephrology and Kidney Transplantation Department, National Reference Center on Complex Glomerular Disease (CSUR), IDIBAPS, Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Fritz Diekman
- Nephrology and Kidney Transplantation Department, National Reference Center on Complex Glomerular Disease (CSUR), IDIBAPS, Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - David Cucchiari
- Nephrology and Kidney Transplantation Department, National Reference Center on Complex Glomerular Disease (CSUR), IDIBAPS, Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Luis F. Quintana
- Nephrology and Kidney Transplantation Department, National Reference Center on Complex Glomerular Disease (CSUR), IDIBAPS, Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Miquel Blasco
- Nephrology and Kidney Transplantation Department, National Reference Center on Complex Glomerular Disease (CSUR), IDIBAPS, Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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Antonucci L, Thurman JM, Vivarelli M. Complement inhibitors in pediatric kidney diseases: new therapeutic opportunities. Pediatr Nephrol 2024; 39:1387-1404. [PMID: 37733095 DOI: 10.1007/s00467-023-06120-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
Historically, the complement system (classical, lectin, alternative, and terminal pathways) is known to play a crucial role in the etiopathogenesis of many kidney diseases. Direct or indirect activation in these settings is revealed by consumption of complement proteins at the serum level and kidney tissue deposition seen by immunofluorescence and electron microscopy. The advent of eculizumab has shown that complement inhibitors may improve the natural history of certain kidney diseases. Since then, the number of available therapeutic molecules and experimental studies on complement inhibition has increased exponentially. In our narrative review, we give a summary of the main complement inhibitors that have completed phase II and phase III studies or are currently used in adult and pediatric nephrology. The relevant full-text works, abstracts, and ongoing trials (clinicaltrials.gov site) are discussed. Data and key clinical features are reported for eculizumab, ravulizumab, crovalimab, avacopan, danicopan, iptacopan, pegcetacoplan, and narsoplimab. Many of these molecules have been shown to be effective in reducing proteinuria and stabilizing kidney function in different complement-mediated kidney diseases. Thanks to their efficacy and target specificity, these novel drugs may radically improve the outcome of complement-mediated kidney diseases, contributing to an improvement in our understanding of their underlying pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Antonucci
- Division of Nephrology, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Ph.D. Course in Microbiology, Immunology, Infectious Diseases, and Transplants (MIMIT), University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Joshua M Thurman
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Marina Vivarelli
- Division of Nephrology, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
- Division of Nephrology, Laboratory of Nephrology, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, Piazza S Onofrio 4, 00165, Rome, Italy.
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3
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Obata S, Vaz de Castro PAS, Riella LV, Cravedi P. Recurrent C3 glomerulopathy after kidney transplantation. Transplant Rev (Orlando) 2024; 38:100839. [PMID: 38412598 DOI: 10.1016/j.trre.2024.100839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 02/17/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
The complement system is part of innate immunity and is pivotal in protecting the body against pathogens and maintaining host homeostasis. Activation of the complement system is triggered through multiple pathways, including antibody deposition, a mannan-binding lectin, or activated complement deposition. C3 glomerulopathy (C3G) is a rare glomerular disease driven by complement dysregulation with high post-transplantation recurrence rates. Its treatment is mainly based on immunosuppressive therapies, specifically mycophenolate mofetil and glucocorticoids. Recent years have seen significant progress in understanding complement biology and its role in C3G pathophysiology. New complement-tergeting treatments have been developed and initial trials have shown promising results. However, challenges persist in C3G, with recurrent post-transplantation cases leading to suboptimal outcomes. This review discusses the pathophysiology and management of C3G, with a focus on its recurrence after kidney transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shota Obata
- Precision Immunology Institute, Translational Transplant Research Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Pedro A S Vaz de Castro
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Medical Investigation, Unit of Pediatric Nephrology, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Brazil
| | - Leonardo V Riella
- Division of Nephrology and Center for Transplantation Sciences, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Paolo Cravedi
- Precision Immunology Institute, Translational Transplant Research Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America.
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Smith J, Hans V, Yacyshyn E, Rouhi A, Oliver M. Systemic lupus erythematosus presenting with atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome: a case report and review of the literature. Rheumatol Int 2024:10.1007/s00296-024-05558-9. [PMID: 38502235 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-024-05558-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) can present with a diverse array of hematologic manifestations, among which atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) is a rare entity. SLE-triggered aHUS has significant morbidity and mortality without timely intervention, yet its frequency remains uncertain and optimal strategies for complement-directed therapies are largely expert-driven. We performed a comprehensive literature review and present a case of a 23-year-old female newly diagnosed with SLE/class IV lupus nephritis who developed aHUS that rapidly responded to the C5 antagonist, eculizumab. Review of the current literature identified forty-nine published cases of SLE with concurrent aHUS and revealed a predilection for aHUS in younger SLE patients, concurrent presentation with lupus nephritis, anti-dsDNA positivity, and complement system abnormalities. Over seventy percent of cases used eculizumab as complement-directed therapy with a trend towards faster time to improvement in laboratory parameters, though reported outcomes were highly variable. Early recognition of aHUS in SLE is pivotal in guiding appropriate therapeutic interventions, and prompt initiation of eculizumab may reduce the potential morbidity associated with plasmapheresis and additional immunosuppression. While eculizumab showcases promising results, its optimal timing and duration remain elusive. An understanding of a patients' complement genetics could aid management strategies, and ongoing research into complement-targeted therapies offers promising avenues for both SLE and aHUS treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Smith
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, 8-130 Clinical Sciences Building, 11350 83 Avenue NW, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2G3, Canada.
| | - Varinder Hans
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, 8-130 Clinical Sciences Building, 11350 83 Avenue NW, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2G3, Canada
| | - Elaine Yacyshyn
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, 8-130 Clinical Sciences Building, 11350 83 Avenue NW, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2G3, Canada
| | - Azin Rouhi
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, 8-130 Clinical Sciences Building, 11350 83 Avenue NW, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2G3, Canada
| | - Monika Oliver
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
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5
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Noris M, Remuzzi G. C3G and Ig-MPGN-treatment standard. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2024; 39:202-214. [PMID: 37604793 PMCID: PMC10828209 DOI: 10.1093/ndt/gfad182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Among the broad spectrum of membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN), immunofluorescence distinguishes C3 glomerulopathy (C3G), with predominant C3 deposits, and immunoglobulin-associated MPGN (Ig-MPGN), with combined C3 and Ig. However, there are several intersections between C3G and Ig-MPGN. Primary C3G and Ig-MPGN share the same prevalence of low serum C3 levels and of abnormalities of the alternative pathway of complement, and patients who present a bioptic pattern of Ig-MPGN at onset may show a C3G pattern in a subsequent biopsy. There is no specific therapy for primary C3G and Ig-MPGN and prognosis is unfavourable. The only recommended indications are inhibitors of the renin-angiotensin system, lipid-lowering agents and other renoprotective agents. The other drugs used currently, such as corticosteroids and mycophenolate mofetil, are often ineffective. The anti-C5 monoclonal antibody eculizumab has been tested in several patients, with mixed results. One reason for the uncertainty is the extremely variable clinical course, most likely reflecting a heterogeneous pathogenesis. An unsupervised clustering analysis that included histologic, biochemical, genetic and clinical data available at onset in patients with primary C3G and Ig-MPGN identified four clusters characterized by specific pathogenic mechanisms. This approach may facilitate accurate diagnosis and development of targeted therapies. Several trials are ongoing with drugs targeting different molecules of the complement cascade, however it is important to consider which component of the cascade may be the most appropriate for each patient. We review the current standards of treatment and discuss novel developments in the pathophysiology, diagnosis, outcome prediction and management of C3G and Ig-MPGN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Noris
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Clinical Research Center for Rare Diseases Aldo e Cele Daccò Ranica, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Remuzzi
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Clinical Research Center for Rare Diseases Aldo e Cele Daccò Ranica, Bergamo, Italy
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6
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West EE, Woodruff T, Fremeaux-Bacchi V, Kemper C. Complement in human disease: approved and up-and-coming therapeutics. Lancet 2024; 403:392-405. [PMID: 37979593 PMCID: PMC10872502 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(23)01524-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023]
Abstract
The complement system is recognised as a protector against blood-borne pathogens and a controller of immune system and tissue homoeostasis. However, dysregulated complement activity is associated with unwanted or non-resolving immune responses and inflammation, which induce or exacerbate the pathogenesis of a broad range of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Although the merit of targeting complement clinically has long been acknowledged, the overall complement drug approval rate has been modest. However, the success of the humanised anti-C5 antibody eculizumab in effectively treating paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria and atypical haemolytic syndrome has revitalised efforts to target complement therapeutically. Increased understanding of complement biology has led to the identification of novel targets for drug development that, in combination with advances in drug discovery and development technologies, has resulted in a surge of interest in bringing new complement therapeutics into clinical use. The rising number of approved drugs still almost exclusively target rare diseases, but the substantial pipeline of up-and-coming treatment options will possibly provide opportunities to also expand the clinical targeting of complement to common diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin E West
- Complement and Inflammation Research Section, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Trent Woodruff
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Veronique Fremeaux-Bacchi
- Inserm UMRS1138, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Inflammation, Complement, and Cancer Team, Paris, France; Department of Immunology, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Claudia Kemper
- Complement and Inflammation Research Section, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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Vivarelli M, Bomback AS, Meier M, Wang Y, Webb NJ, Veldandi UK, Smith RJ, Kavanagh D. Iptacopan in Idiopathic Immune Complex-Mediated Membranoproliferative Glomerulonephritis: Protocol of the APPARENT Multicenter, Randomized Phase 3 Study. Kidney Int Rep 2024; 9:64-72. [PMID: 38312795 PMCID: PMC10831369 DOI: 10.1016/j.ekir.2023.10.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Immune complex-mediated membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (IC-MPGN) is an ultra-rare, fast-progressing kidney disease that may be idiopathic (primary) or secondary to chronic infection, autoimmune disorders, or monoclonal gammopathies. Dysregulation of the alternative complement pathway is implicated in the pathophysiology of IC-MPGN; and currently, there are no approved targeted treatments. Iptacopan is an oral, highly potent proximal complement inhibitor that specifically binds to factor B and inhibits the alternative pathway (AP). Methods This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 study (APPARENT; NCT05755386) will evaluate the efficacy and safety of iptacopan in patients with idiopathic (primary) IC-MPGN, enrolling up to 68 patients (minimum of 10 adolescents) aged 12 to 60 years with biopsy-confirmed IC-MPGN, proteinuria ≥1 g/g, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥30 ml/min per 1.73 m2. All patients will receive maximally tolerated angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin receptor blocker and vaccination against encapsulated bacteria. Patients with any organ transplant, progressive crescentic glomerulonephritis, or kidney biopsy with >50% interstitial fibrosis/tubular atrophy, will be excluded. Patients will be randomized 1:1 to receive either iptacopan 200 mg twice daily (bid) or placebo for 6 months, followed by open-label treatment with iptacopan 200 mg bid for all patients for 6 months. The primary objective of the study is to evaluate the efficacy of iptacopan versus placebo in proteinuria reduction measured as urine protein-to-creatinine ratio (UPCR) (24-h urine) at 6 months. Key secondary end points will assess kidney function measured by eGFR, patients who achieve a proteinuria-eGFR composite end point, and patient-reported fatigue. Conclusion This study will provide evidence toward the efficacy and safety of iptacopan in idiopathic (primary) IC-MPGN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Vivarelli
- Division of Nephrology, Laboratory of Nephrology, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrew S. Bomback
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York, USA
| | - Matthias Meier
- Global Drug Development, Novartis Pharma AG, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Yaqin Wang
- Global Drug Development, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, East Hanover, New Jersey, USA
| | | | | | - Richard J.H. Smith
- Molecular Otolaryngology and Renal Research Laboratories and the Departments of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics (Divisions of Nephrology), Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - David Kavanagh
- National Renal Complement Therapeutics Centre, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals, National Health Service Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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Wong E, Nester C, Cavero T, Karras A, Le Quintrec M, Lightstone L, Eisenberger U, Soler MJ, Kavanagh D, Daina E, Praga M, Medjeral-Thomas NR, Gäckler A, Garcia-Carro C, Biondani A, Chaperon F, Kulmatycki K, Milojevic J, Webb NJ, Nidamarthy PK, Junge G, Remuzzi G. Efficacy and Safety of Iptacopan in Patients With C3 Glomerulopathy. Kidney Int Rep 2023; 8:2754-2764. [PMID: 38106570 PMCID: PMC10719607 DOI: 10.1016/j.ekir.2023.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Complement 3 glomerulopathy (C3G) is a rare inflammatory kidney disease mediated by dysregulation of the alternative complement pathway. No targeted therapy exists for this aggressive glomerulonephritis. Efficacy, safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics (PK), and pharmacodynamics (PD) (measured by complement biomarkers) of iptacopan were assessed in patients with C3G. Methods In this phase 2, multicenter, open-label, single-arm, nonrandomized study, adults with biopsy-proven, native kidney C3G (native cohort) and kidney transplant recipients with C3G recurrence (recurrent kidney transplant [KT] cohort) received iptacopan twice daily (bid) for 84 days (days 1-21: 10-100 mg; days 22-84: 200 mg). The primary end point was the urine protein-to-creatinine ratio (UPCR; native cohort) and the change in the C3 deposit score of kidney biopsy (recurrent KT cohort). The complement pathway measures included Wieslab assay, soluble C5b9, and serum C3 levels. Results A total of 27 patients (16 native cohort and 11 recurrent KT cohort) were enrolled and all completed the study. In the native cohort, UPCR levels decreased by 45% from baseline to week 12 (P = 0.0003). In the recurrent KT cohort, the median C3 deposit score decreased by 2.50 (scale: 0-12) on day 84 versus baseline (P = 0.03). Serum C3 levels were normalized in most patients; complement hyperactivity observed pretreatment was reduced. Severe adverse events (AEs) included post-biopsy hematuria and hyperkalemia. No deaths occurred during the study. Conclusion Iptacopan resulted in statistically significant and clinically important reductions in UPCR and normalization of serum C3 levels in the native cohort and reduced C3 deposit scores in the recurrent KT cohort with favorable safety and tolerability. (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03832114).
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Affiliation(s)
- Edwin Wong
- National Renal Complement Therapeutics Centre, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Carla Nester
- The University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Teresa Cavero
- Nephrology Department, University Hospital Doce de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alexandre Karras
- Department of Nephrology, Hôpital Européen Georges-Pompidou, APHP, Paris, France
| | - Moglie Le Quintrec
- Service de Néphrologie et Transplantation Rénale, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Liz Lightstone
- Centre for Inflammatory Disease, Department of Immunology and Inflammation, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Ute Eisenberger
- Department of Nephrology, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Maria Jose Soler
- Nephrology Department, Vall d’Hebron University Hospital, Vall d’Hebron Institute of Research, CSUR National Unit of Expertise for Complex Glomerular Diseases of Spain, Barcelona, Spain
| | - David Kavanagh
- National Renal Complement Therapeutics Centre, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Erica Daina
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Manuel Praga
- Instituto de Investigación Hospital 12 de Octubre (i+12), Madrid, Spain
| | - Nicholas R. Medjeral-Thomas
- Centre for Inflammatory Disease, Department of Immunology and Inflammation, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Anja Gäckler
- Department of Nephrology, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Clara Garcia-Carro
- Nephrology Department, Vall d’Hebron University Hospital, Vall d’Hebron Institute of Research, CSUR National Unit of Expertise for Complex Glomerular Diseases of Spain, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Andrea Biondani
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Translational Medicine, Novartis AG, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Frederique Chaperon
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Translational Medicine, Novartis AG, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Kenneth Kulmatycki
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Julie Milojevic
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Translational Medicine, Novartis AG, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Nicholas J.A. Webb
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Translational Medicine, Novartis AG, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Guido Junge
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Translational Medicine, Novartis AG, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Giuseppe Remuzzi
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
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9
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Tang B, Yang X. Clinical advances in immunotherapy for immune-mediated glomerular diseases. Clin Exp Med 2023; 23:4091-4105. [PMID: 37889398 PMCID: PMC10725396 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-023-01218-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Due to the suboptimal therapeutic efficacy and potential adverse effects associated with traditional immunosuppressive medications, there has been an increasing emphasis on the development and utilization of immunotherapies. This paper aims to provide clinicians with valuable insights for selecting appropriate therapeutic approaches and contribute to the development of novel immunotherapeutic drugs. MAIN BODY This paper categorizes the immunotherapeutic drugs that are used for the treatment of immune-mediated glomerular diseases into three groups: immunotherapies targeting antigen-presenting cells (anti-CD80), immunotherapies targeting T/B cells (anti-CD20, anti-CD22, BAFF and APRIL inhibitors, CD40-CD40L inhibitors, proteasome inhibitors, Syk inhibitors, and Btk inhibitors), and immunotherapies targeting the complement system (C5 inhibitors, C5a/C5aR inhibitors, C3 inhibitors, MASP2 inhibitors, factor B inhibitors, and factor D inhibitors). The article then provides a comprehensive overview of advances related to these immunotherapeutic drugs in clinical research. CONCLUSION Certain immunotherapeutic drugs, such as rituximab, belimumab, and eculizumab, have exhibited notable efficacy in treating specific immune-mediated glomerular diseases, thereby providing novel therapeutic approaches for patients. Nonetheless, the efficacy of numerous immunotherapeutic drugs remains to be substantiated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bihui Tang
- Department of Nephrology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, Hubei, China
| | - Xiao Yang
- Department of Nephrology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, Hubei, China.
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10
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Petr V, Thurman JM. The role of complement in kidney disease. Nat Rev Nephrol 2023; 19:771-787. [PMID: 37735215 DOI: 10.1038/s41581-023-00766-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
The complement cascade comprises soluble and cell surface proteins and is an important arm of the innate immune system. Once activated, the complement system rapidly generates large quantities of protein fragments that are potent mediators of inflammatory, vasoactive and metabolic responses. Although complement is crucial to host defence and homeostasis, its inappropriate or uncontrolled activation can also drive tissue injury. For example, the complement system has been known for more than 50 years to be activated by glomerular immune complexes and to contribute to autoimmune kidney disease. Notably, the latest research shows that complement is also activated in kidney diseases that are not traditionally thought of as immune-mediated, including haemolytic-uraemic syndrome, diabetic kidney disease and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. Several complement-targeted drugs have been approved for the treatment of kidney disease, and additional anti-complement agents are being investigated in clinical trials. These drugs are categorically different from other immunosuppressive agents and target pathological processes that are not effectively inhibited by other classes of immunosuppressants. The development of these new drugs might therefore have considerable benefits in the treatment of kidney disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vojtech Petr
- Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Joshua M Thurman
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA.
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11
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Wooden B, Tarragon B, Navarro-Torres M, Bomback AS. Complement inhibitors for kidney disease. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2023; 38:ii29-ii39. [PMID: 37218685 DOI: 10.1093/ndt/gfad079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
A refined understanding of the role of complement in the pathogenesis of glomerular and other kidney diseases has, over the past two decades, been matched by the development of novel, complement-targeting therapies. As we increasingly recognize the important role that complement activation across all three pathways-classical, lectin and alternative-plays in glomerular lesions both rare (e.g. C3 glomerulopathy) and common (e.g. immunoglobulin A nephropathy), we can identify avenues for precise, targeted approaches to modifying the natural history of these kidney diseases. In this review, we survey the evidence on using complement inhibition from the earliest, small-scale studies focusing on C5-targeting agents to more recent, large, multicenter, randomized trials utilizing complement blockade higher up in the complement pathway at the level of C3. We conclude by examining where the field of complement targeting therapy may be headed in light of these studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Wooden
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Blanca Tarragon
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Mariela Navarro-Torres
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Andrew S Bomback
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
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12
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Rathi S, Hasan R, Ueffing M, Clark SJ. Therapeutic targeting of the complement system in ocular disease. Drug Discov Today 2023; 28:103757. [PMID: 37657753 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2023.103757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
The complement system is involved in the pathogenesis of several ocular diseases, providing a rationale for the investigation of complement-targeting therapeutics for these conditions. Dry age-related macular degeneration, as characterised by geographic atrophy (GA), is currently the most active area of research for complement-targeting therapeutics, with a complement C3 inhibitor approved in the United States earlier this year marking the first approved therapy for GA. This review discusses the role of complement in ocular disease, provides an overview of the complement-targeting agents currently under development for ocular conditions, and reflects on the lessons that can be learned from the preclinical investigations and clinical trials conducted in this field to date.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonika Rathi
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Department for Ophthalmology, University Medical Center, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | | | - Marius Ueffing
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Department for Ophthalmology, University Medical Center, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Simon J Clark
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Department for Ophthalmology, University Medical Center, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; University Eye Clinic, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
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13
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Al-Samkari H, Neufeld EJ. Novel therapeutics and future directions for refractory immune thrombocytopenia. Br J Haematol 2023; 203:65-78. [PMID: 37735554 PMCID: PMC11101754 DOI: 10.1111/bjh.19078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an autoimmune bleeding disorder affecting approximately 1 in 20 000 people. While most patients with ITP are successfully managed with the current set of standard and approved therapeutics, patients who cannot be adequately managed with these therapies, considered to have refractory ITP, are not uncommon. Therefore, there remains an ongoing need for novel therapeutics and drug development in ITP. Several agents exploiting novel targets and mechanisms in ITP are presently under clinical development, with trials primarily recruiting heavily pretreated patients and those with otherwise refractory disease. Such agents include the neonatal Fc receptor antagonist efgartigimod, the Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor rilzabrutinib, the complement inhibitors sutimlimab and iptacopan and anti-CD38 monoclonal antibodies such as daratumumab and mezagitamab, among others. Each of these agents exploits therapeutic targets or other aspects of ITP pathophysiology currently not targeted by the existing approved agents (thrombopoietin receptor agonists and fostamatinib). This manuscript offers an in-depth review of the current available data for novel therapeutics in ITP presently undergoing phase 2 or 3 studies in patients with heavily pretreated or refractory ITP. It additionally highlights the future directions for drug development in refractory ITP, including discussion of innovative clinical trial designs, health-related quality of life as an indispensable clinical trial end-point and balancing potential toxicities of drugs with their potential benefits in a bleeding disorder in which few patients suffer life-threatening bleeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanny Al-Samkari
- Division of Hematology Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Ellis J. Neufeld
- Department of Hematology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
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14
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Zanchi C, Locatelli M, Corna D, Cerullo D, Fishilevich E, Desai D, Rottoli D, Donadelli R, Noris M, Zoja C, Remuzzi G, Benigni A. Liver factor B silencing to cure C3 glomerulopathy: Evidence from a mouse model of complement dysregulation. Mol Immunol 2023; 161:25-32. [PMID: 37481826 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2023.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
Uncontrolled activation of the alternative pathway (AP) of complement, due to genetic and/or acquired defects, plays a primary pathogenetic role in C3 glomerulopathy (C3G), a rare and heterogeneous disease characterised by predominant C3 fragment deposition within the glomerulus, as well as glomerular damage. There are currently no approved disease-specific treatments for C3G, but new drugs that directly counteract AP dysregulation, targeting components of the pathway, have opened promising new perspectives for managing the disease. Complement factor B (FB), which is primarily synthesised by hepatocytes, is a key component of the AP, as it drives the central amplification loop of the complement system. In this study we used a GalNAc (N-Acetylgalactosamine)-conjugated siRNA to selectively target and suppress liver FB expression in two mouse models characterised by the complete (Cfh-/- mice) or partial (Cfh+/-) loss of function of complement factor H (FH). Homozygous deletion of FH induced a severe C3G phenotype, with strong dysregulation of the AP of complement, glomerular C3 deposition and almost complete C3 consumption. Mice with a heterozygous deletion of FH had intermediate C3 levels and exhibited slower disease progression, resembling human C3G more closely. Here we showed that FB siRNA treatment did not improve serum C3 levels, nor limit glomerular C3 deposition in Cfh-/- mice, while it did normalise circulating C3 levels, reduce glomerular C3 deposits, and limit mesangial electron-dense deposits in Cfh+/- mice. The present data provide important insights into the potential benefits and limitations of FB-targeted inhibition strategies and suggest RNA interference-mediated FB silencing in the liver as a possible therapeutic approach for treating C3G patients with FH haploinsufficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Zanchi
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Centro Anna Maria Astori Science and Technology Park Kilometro Rosso, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Monica Locatelli
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Centro Anna Maria Astori Science and Technology Park Kilometro Rosso, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Daniela Corna
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Centro Anna Maria Astori Science and Technology Park Kilometro Rosso, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Domenico Cerullo
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Centro Anna Maria Astori Science and Technology Park Kilometro Rosso, Bergamo, Italy
| | | | - Dhruv Desai
- Alnylam Pharmaceuticals Inc., Boston, MA, United States
| | - Daniela Rottoli
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Centro Anna Maria Astori Science and Technology Park Kilometro Rosso, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Roberta Donadelli
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Centro Anna Maria Astori Science and Technology Park Kilometro Rosso, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Marina Noris
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Centro Anna Maria Astori Science and Technology Park Kilometro Rosso, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Carlamaria Zoja
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Centro Anna Maria Astori Science and Technology Park Kilometro Rosso, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Remuzzi
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Centro Anna Maria Astori Science and Technology Park Kilometro Rosso, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Ariela Benigni
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Centro Anna Maria Astori Science and Technology Park Kilometro Rosso, Bergamo, Italy.
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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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uta Kunter
- Division of Nephrology and Rheumatology, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Aachen, Germany
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16
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Tesař V, Radhakrishnan J, Charu V, Barratt J. Challenges in IgA Nephropathy Management: An Era of Complement Inhibition. Kidney Int Rep 2023; 8:1730-1740. [PMID: 37705895 PMCID: PMC10496078 DOI: 10.1016/j.ekir.2023.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is the most common glomerular disease worldwide, with an estimated annual incidence of 25 per million adults. Despite optimized supportive care, some patients fail to achieve disease control and suffer progressive deterioration of kidney function. In this subpopulation of patients, the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes 2021 guidelines recommend consideration of corticosteroids; however, their use is associated with significant side effects. Ongoing clinical trials are expected to identify corticosteroid-sparing therapies to help improve treatment and prognosis for patients with IgAN. It has been well-documented that the complement system plays a significant role in IgAN pathogenesis, and several complement inhibitors are now entering late-stage clinical development. This review evaluates what we know about the role of complement in the pathophysiology of IgAN and considers how the availability of targeted complement inhibitors may impact future clinical practice. Key knowledge gaps are evaluated, and research opportunities are recommended to help guide clinical decision-making and optimize patient outcomes. Such gaps include evaluating the relative contribution of the alternative and lectin pathways to disease pathogenesis, and the importance of determining the dominant pathway driving IgAN progression. Continued research into the staining of complement proteins in kidney biopsies and identifying targeted biomarkers to assess disease progression and treatment responses will also be needed to support the implementation of newer therapies in clinical practice. Considering the future horizons for enhancing the care of patients with IgAN, tackling the outstanding challenges now will help prepare for the best possible future outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir Tesař
- Department of Nephrology, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | | | - Vivek Charu
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Jonathan Barratt
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
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17
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Münch J, Sessler I, Bosse HM, Wargenau M, Dreesen JD, Loforese G, Webb NJA, Sivasubramanian R, Reidemeister S, Lustenberger P, Klingmann V. Evaluating the Acceptability, Swallowability, and Palatability of Film-Coated Mini-Tablet Formulation in Young Children: Results from an Open-Label, Single-Dose, Cross-Over Study. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:1729. [PMID: 37376177 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15061729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Mini-tablets are advantageous over liquid formulations in overcoming challenges related to stability, taste, and dosage. This open-label, single-dose, cross-over study investigated the acceptability and safety of drug-free, film-coated mini-tablets in children aged 1 month-6 years (stratified: 4-6 years, 2-<4 years, 1-<2 years, 6-<12 months, and 1-<6 months), and their preference for swallowing either a high quantity of 2.0 mm or a low quantity of 2.5 mm diameter mini-tablets. The primary endpoint was acceptability derived from swallowability. The secondary endpoints were investigator-observed palatability, acceptability as a composite endpoint derived from both swallowability and palatability, and safety. Of 320 children randomized, 319 completed the study. Across all tablet sizes, quantities and age groups, acceptability rates based on swallowability were high (at least 87%). Palatability was rated as "pleasant/neutral" in 96.6% of children. The acceptability rates as per the composite endpoint were at least 77% and 86% for the 2.0 mm and 2.5 mm film-coated mini-tablets, respectively. No adverse events or deaths were reported. Recruitment in the 1-<6-months group was stopped early due to coughing-evaluated as "choked on" in three children. Both 2.0 mm and 2.5 mm film-coated mini-tablets are suitable formulations for young children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliane Münch
- Department of General Pediatrics, Neonatology and Pediatric Cardiology, University Children's Hospital Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Isabelle Sessler
- Department of General Pediatrics, Neonatology and Pediatric Cardiology, University Children's Hospital Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Hans Martin Bosse
- Department of General Pediatrics, Neonatology and Pediatric Cardiology, University Children's Hospital Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Manfred Wargenau
- M.A.R.C.O. GmbH & Co. KG, Institute for Clinical Research and Statistics, 40211 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Janine D Dreesen
- M.A.R.C.O. GmbH & Co. KG, Institute for Clinical Research and Statistics, 40211 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Giulio Loforese
- Global Drug Development, Novartis Pharma AG, 4002 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Nicholas J A Webb
- Global Drug Development, Novartis Pharma AG, 4002 Basel, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | - Viviane Klingmann
- Department of General Pediatrics, Neonatology and Pediatric Cardiology, University Children's Hospital Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
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18
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Zipfel PF, Zipfel S, Wiech T. [Role of Complement in Kidney Diseases - New Aspects]. Dtsch Med Wochenschr 2023; 148:774-779. [PMID: 37257480 DOI: 10.1055/a-1936-6697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Complement is a central part of the immune system. In the human body, complement is responsible for recognition of infectious microbes, for coordinating the adaptive immune response, controlling homeotic reactions and for the non-inflammatory removal of modified self-cells and infectious microbes. Complement is also closely linked to another proteolytic cascade, the coagulation system. Defective activation and altered complement regulation drives pathology of several severe human kidney diseases.This manuscript summarizes the latest developments on the role of complement in kidney diseases, on new complement inhibitors and on recent complement targeting therapies. In particular focusing on diseases (1) atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome, (2) C3 Glomerulopathy, (3) Anti Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody Mediated Vasculitis, (4) IgA Nephropathy, (5) Membranous Glomerulopathy, (6) Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, (7) Transplant rejection and (8) COVID 19 Infection-Triggered Kidney Diseases. More excitement is generated in this field, as more and more complement mediated diseases can be treated. Several complement targeting compounds are approved by the EMA and FDA and an increasing number of new candidates are in late phase clinical trials. In addition, clinical guidelines are developed for Diagnosis and Therapy of complement mediated diseases, new biomarkers are evaluated in clinical studies, and diagnostic guidelines are in development. The recent Covid infections showed a clear link of complement in thrombo inflammation, which ultimately results in kidney damage. These aspects have increased further the focus of complement inhibitors in COVID infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter F Zipfel
- Abteilung Infektionsbiologie, Leibniz institut für Naturstoff Forschung und Infektionsbiologie, Jena, Deutschland
- Institut für Mikrobiologie, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität, Jena
| | - Svante Zipfel
- Universitäres Herz- und Gefäßzentrum Hamburg, Klinik für Herz- und Gefäßchirurgie, Uni-Klinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Universitäres Herzzentrum, Hamburg
| | - Thorsten Wiech
- Sektion Nephropathologie, Institut für Pathologie, Universitäts Krankenhaus, Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg
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Lean M, Chacko B. The C3 conundrum. Intern Med J 2023; 53:1065-1069. [PMID: 37278101 DOI: 10.1111/imj.16111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
A 62-year-old man with nephritic syndrome underwent a kidney biopsy which revealed a C3 dominant pattern on immunofluorescence. A diagnosis of C3 glomerulopathy (C3G) was suspected. However, a recent skin infection and high levels of anti-streptococcal antibodies were indicative of post-infectious glomerulonephritis (PIGN). This paper compares PIGN and C3G and describes an atypical form of PIGN with alternative complement pathway dysregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Lean
- Nephrology and Transplantation Unit, John Hunter Hospital, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Bobby Chacko
- Nephrology and Transplantation Unit, John Hunter Hospital, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
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20
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Caravaca-Fontán F, Cavero T, Díaz-Encarnación M, Cabello V, Ariceta G, Quintana LF, Marco H, Barros X, Ramos N, Rodríguez-Mendiola N, Cruz S, Fernández-Juárez G, Rodríguez A, Pérez de José A, Rabasco C, Rodado R, Fernández L, Pérez-Gómez V, Ávila A, Bravo L, Espinosa N, Allende N, Sanchez de la Nieta MD, Rodríguez E, Rivas B, Melgosa M, Huerta A, Miquel R, Mon C, Fraga G, de Lorenzo A, Draibe J, González F, Shabaka A, López-Rubio ME, Fenollosa MÁ, Martín-Penagos L, Da Silva I, Titos JA, Rodríguez de Córdoba S, Goicoechea de Jorge E, Praga M. Clinical Profiles and Patterns of Kidney Disease Progression in C3 Glomerulopathy. KIDNEY360 2023; 4:659-672. [PMID: 36996481 PMCID: PMC10278771 DOI: 10.34067/kid.0000000000000115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023]
Abstract
Key Points Kidney survival in C3 glomerulopathy is significantly higher in patients with a disease chronicity score <4 and proteinuria <3.5 g/d, regardless of baseline eGFR. A faster eGFR decline in C3 glomerulopathy is associated with higher probability of kidney failure. Patients with glomerulopathy with a progressive reduction in proteinuria over time did not reach kidney failure. Background C3 glomerulopathy is a rare kidney disease, which makes it difficult to collect large cohorts of patients to better understand its variability. The aims of this study were to describe the clinical profiles and patterns of progression of kidney disease. Methods This was a retrospective, observational cohort study. Patients diagnosed with C3 glomerulopathy between 1995 and 2020 were enrolled. Study population was divided into clinical profiles by combining the following predictors: eGFR under/above 30 ml/min per 1.73 m2, proteinuria under/above 3.5 g/d, and histologic chronicity score under/above 4. The change in eGFR and proteinuria over time was evaluated in a subgroup with consecutive measurements of eGFR and proteinuria. Results One hundred and fifteen patients with a median age of 30 years (interquartile range 19–50) were included. Patients were divided into eight clinical profiles. Kidney survival was significantly higher in patients with a chronicity score <4 and proteinuria <3.5 g/d, both in those presenting with an eGFR under/above 30 ml/min per 1.73 m2. The median eGFR slope of patients who reached kidney failure was −6.5 ml/min per 1.73 m2 per year (interquartile range −1.6 to −17). Patients who showed a reduction in proteinuria over time did not reach kidney failure. On the basis of the rate of eGFR decline, patients were classified as faster eGFR decline (≥5 ml/min per 1.73 m2 per year), slower (<5 ml/min per 1.73 m2 per year), and those without decline. A faster eGFR decline was associated with higher probability of kidney failure. Conclusions Kidney survival is significantly higher in patients with a chronicity score <4 and proteinuria <3.5 g/d regardless of baseline eGFR, and a faster rate of decline in eGFR is associated with higher probability of kidney failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Caravaca-Fontán
- Department of Nephrology, Instituto de Investigación Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Teresa Cavero
- Department of Nephrology, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Virginia Cabello
- Department of Nephrology, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Gema Ariceta
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Hospital Universitario Vall d’Hebron, Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Luis F. Quintana
- Department of Nephrology and Renal Transplantation, Hospital Clinic de Barcelona; Department of Medicine, University of Barcelona, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Helena Marco
- Department of Nephrology, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol, Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
- Current address: Department of Nephrology, Fundación Puigvert, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Xoana Barros
- Department of Nephrology, Hospital Universitario Doctor Josep Trueta, Gerona, Spain
| | - Natalia Ramos
- Department of Nephrology, Hospital Universitario Vall d’Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Sonia Cruz
- Department of Nephrology, Hospital Universitario Juan Ramón Jiménez, Huelva, Spain
| | - Gema Fernández-Juárez
- Department of Nephrology, Hospital Universitario Fundación Alcorcón, Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain
- Current address: Department of Nephrology, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Adela Rodríguez
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Ana Pérez de José
- Department of Nephrology, Hospital Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Cristina Rabasco
- Department of Nephrology, Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Raquel Rodado
- Department of Nephrology, Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - Loreto Fernández
- Department of Nephrology, Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra, Navarra, Spain
| | - Vanessa Pérez-Gómez
- Department of Nephrology, Hospital Universitario Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Ávila
- Department of Nephrology, Hospital Universitario Doctor Peset, Valencia, Spain
| | - Luis Bravo
- Department of Nephrology, Hospital Universitario A Coruña, La Coruña, Spain
| | - Natalia Espinosa
- Pediatric Nephrology Unit, Hospital Universitario Son Espases, Balearic Islands Health Research Institute (IdISBa). Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - Natalia Allende
- Department of Nephrology, Hospital Universitario Son Espases, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | | | - Eva Rodríguez
- Department of Nephrology, Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Begoña Rivas
- Department of Nephrology, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Melgosa
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Huerta
- Department of Nephrology, Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rosa Miquel
- Department of Nephrology, Hospital Universitario Canarias, Tenerife, Spain
| | - Carmen Mon
- Department of Nephrology, Hospital Universitario Severo Ochoa, Leganés, Madrid, Spain
| | - Gloria Fraga
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alberto de Lorenzo
- Department of Nephrology, Hospital Universitario de Getafe, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juliana Draibe
- Department of Nephrology, Hospital Universitario de Bellvitge, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Fayna González
- Department of Nephrology, Hospital Doctor Negrín, Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Amir Shabaka
- Department of Nephrology, Hospital Universitario Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - Luis Martín-Penagos
- Department of Nephrology, Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla, Santander, Spain
| | - Iara Da Silva
- Department of Nephrology, Fundación Puigvert, Barcelona, Spain
- Current address: Department of Nephrology, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol, Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Juana Alonso Titos
- Department of Nephrology, Hospital Regional Universitario Carlos Haya, Málaga, Spain
| | - Santiago Rodríguez de Córdoba
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Madrid and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Raras, Madrid, Spain
| | - Elena Goicoechea de Jorge
- Department of Nephrology, Instituto de Investigación Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Immunology, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Manuel Praga
- Department of Nephrology, Instituto de Investigación Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Nephrology, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
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Osman M, Cohen Tervaert JW, Pagnoux C. Avacopan for the treatment of ANCA-associated vasculitis: an update. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2023; 19:461-471. [PMID: 36545762 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2023.2162041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Glucocorticoids (GC) have been part of the standard treatment of anti-neutrophil cytoplasm autoantibodies (ANCA)-associated vasculitides (AAV) for more than 60 years. Various therapeutic advances have occurred over the past 2 decades and led to a significant reduction of GC exposure, but most patients still have to suffer from complications of GC, including infections, metabolic abnormalities, and cardiovascular morbidity. In 2007, activation of the complement pathway was demonstrated to play a role in the pathogenesis of AAV. Avacopan, an oral competitive inhibitor of the C5a receptor (C5aR1, CD88), was then developed, with an additional aim to decrease the use of GC. AREAS COVERED In this article, we briefly summarize the rationale for targeting the complement pathway in AAV, and review relevant findings from pre-clinical, phase I, II, and III studies, subsequent and more recent case reports and series on the efficacy and safety of avacopan. EXPERT OPINION Based on the results of these studies, avacopan was approved in most countries since late 2021, as an adjunctive induction treatment for patients with AAV. Several newer questions now are pending answers, including as to how avacopan should be used in real-world practice, beyond how it was given in the original clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Osman
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | | | - Christian Pagnoux
- Vasculitis clinic, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Selvaskandan H, Gonzalez-Martin G, Barratt J, Cheung CK. IgA nephropathy: an overview of drug treatments in clinical trials. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2022; 31:1321-1338. [PMID: 36588457 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2022.2160315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is the commonest primary glomerulonephritis worldwide and may progress to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) within a 10-20 year period. Its slowly progressive course has made clinical trials challenging to perform, however the acceptance of proteinuria reduction as a surrogate end point has significantly improved the feasibility of conducting clinical trials in IgAN, with several novel and repurposed therapies currently undergoing assessment. Already, interim results are demonstrating value to some of these, offering great hope to those with IgAN. AREAS COVERED This review explores the rationale, candidates, clinical precedents, and trial status of therapies that are currently or have recently been evaluated for efficacy in IgAN. All IgAN trials registered with the U.S. National Library of Medicine; ClinicalTrials.gov were reviewed. EXPERT OPINION For the first time, effective treatment options beyond supportive care are becoming available for those with IgAN. This is the culmination of commendable international efforts and signifies a new era for those with IgAN. As more therapies become available, future challenges will revolve around deciding which treatments are most appropriate for individual patients, which is likely to push IgAN into the realm of precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haresh Selvaskandan
- John Walls Renal Unit, University Hospitals Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK.,Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | | | - Jonathan Barratt
- John Walls Renal Unit, University Hospitals Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK.,Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Chee Kay Cheung
- John Walls Renal Unit, University Hospitals Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK.,Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
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