Welcome to The HCPFive, your go-to roundup for the latest healthcare news and breakthroughs, curated specifically for busy healthcare professionals.
Each week, we highlight 5 key developments or headlines from healthcare that you need to know — whether it’s a cutting-edge treatment, regulatory updates, or innovations shaping the future of medicine. This week’s top stories include final 24-month phase 3 VISIONARY data showing Otsuka’s sibeprenlimab (Voyxact) stabilizes eGFR decline in 

, the FDA approval of BioCryst’s berotralstat (Orladeyo) 150 mg oral pellets for 

prophylaxis in patients aged ≥12 years, the FDA accelerated approval of AstraZeneca’s ravulizumab (Ultomiris) as the first C5 complement inhibitor indicated in IgA nephropathy, the FDA approval of AbbVie’s subcutaneous induction regimen for risankizumab (Skyrizi) in adults with moderately to severely active 

, and the FDA approval of GSK’s bepirovirsen (Hibsago) as the first antisense oligonucleotide approved for 

With The HCPFive, you’ll get the essential takeaways to stay informed and ahead of the curve. Here’s your quick dive into the top stories for the week of October 18, 2026 — let’s jump in!

Sibeprenlimab Stabilizes eGFR Over 24 Months in IgA Nephropathy: VISIONARY

Final 24-month data from the phase 3 VISIONARY trial showed Otsuka’s sibeprenlimab (Voyxact), a selective APRIL inhibitor, produced an annualized eGFR slope of +0.3 mL/min/1.73 m² per year versus a placebo decline of 4.2 — a treatment difference of 4.5 mL/min/1.73 m² per year (P<.0001). The least-squares mean eGFR change from baseline favored sibeprenlimab by 9.2 mL/min/1.73 m² at 2 years, and 24-hour uPCR fell 61.3% from baseline versus 1.3% with placebo. Benefit was consistent across prespecified subgroups defined by proteinuria level, baseline eGFR, and SGLT2 inhibitor use, and Otsuka has initiated a rolling sBLA seeking traditional approval based on the 24-month eGFR endpoint.

FDA Approves Berotralstat Oral Pellets for Adults, Adolescents With HAE

On October 21, 2026, the FDA approved BioCryst’s berotralstat (Orladeyo) 150 mg oral pellet formulation for prophylaxis of hereditary angioedema attacks in patients aged ≥12 years, adding a pellet alternative to the existing capsule for adults and adolescents. The pellet formulation had previously been approved for children aged 2 to <12 years in December 2025; the new 150 mg strength is intended to allow those patients to remain on pellets as they age into adolescence, and to serve adults who have difficulty swallowing capsules. Berotralstat remains the first and only targeted oral prophylactic therapy covering the full HAE population from age 2 and older.

Ravulizumab Receives FDA Accelerated Approval for IgA Nephropathy

On October 21, 2026, the FDA granted accelerated approval to AstraZeneca’s ravulizumab (Ultomiris) to reduce proteinuria in adults with primary IgA nephropathy at risk for disease progression, making it the first and only C5 complement inhibitor indicated in IgAN and the drug’s fifth approved indication. The approval was based on a prespecified interim analysis of the phase 3 I CAN trial, in which ravulizumab reduced 24-hour UPCR by 43.4% versus placebo at week 34 (P<.0001), with reductions observed as early as week 10. Continued approval is contingent on the trial’s second primary endpoint — eGFR change at week 106 — with those late-breaking results presented at ASN Kidney Week on October 23, 2026.

FDA Approves Subcutaneous Risankizumab Induction for Crohn’s Disease

On October 23, 2026, the FDA approved a subcutaneous induction regimen for AbbVie’s risankizumab (Skyrizi) in adults with moderately to severely active Crohn’s disease, based on the phase 3 AFFIRM trial, in which 56% of patients achieved clinical remission at week 12 versus 30% with placebo. The approval allows patients to initiate therapy at home via on-body injector at weeks 0, 2, 4, and 8, rather than requiring intravenous infusion — though IV induction remains an option. Approximately 65% of AFFIRM participants had previously failed advanced therapy, supporting the new regimen’s use even in a refractory population.

FDA Approves Bepirovirsen for Chronic Hepatitis B

On October 20, 2026, the FDA approved bepirovirsen (Hibsago; GSK/Ionis), the first antisense oligonucleotide approved for chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, for use alongside existing nucleos(t)ide analogue therapy in adults without cirrhosis with suppressed HBV DNA and HBsAg ≤3,000 IU/mL. The approval was supported by two replicate phase 3 B-Well trials showing a 19% functional cure rate in eligible patients — compared to less than 1% with standard of care alone — with 24% of bepirovirsen-treated patients meeting criteria to discontinue all hepatitis B therapy. The FDA granted the drug Fast Track, Breakthrough Therapy, and Priority Review designations; a companion diagnostic to identify eligible patients was also authorized.

Articles

Five late-September 2026 regulatory and late-stage clinical updates span infectious disease, PAH, immunology, diabetes, and nephrology. The FDA granted Priority Review for an Arikayce sNDA that could move inhaled liposomal amikacin into frontline combination therapy for newly diagnosed or recurrent MAC lung disease. Sotatercept’s label now incorporates phase 3 HYPERION data in adults with PAH diagnosed within 12 months. Barzolvolimab met week-12 UAS7 endpoints in two phase 3 CSU trials. FDA approvals also include once-weekly insulin efsitora for type 2 diabetes and obinutuzumab to prevent relapse in frequently relapsing or steroid-dependent childhood-onset idiopathic nephrotic syndrome.

Stay updated with the latest healthcare breakthroughs, including Otsuka’s sibeprenlimab 24-month eGFR data in IgA nephropathy.

News

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Nephrology

The HCPLive nephrology page is a resource for medical news and expert insights on kidney disease. This page features expert-led coverage, articles, videos and research on the therapies and development of treatments in nephrology, and more.

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Gastroenterology

Gastroenterology condition center page is a comprehensive resource for clinical news and insights on digestive and GI conditions. This page consists of interviews, articles, podcasts, and videos on the research, treatment and development of therapies for 

, IBS and IBD, Crohn's disease, and more.

Hepatology

The HCPFive: Top News for Healthcare Providers from the Week of 10/18

James Tumlin, MD, is the president of NephroNet, director of research at Georgia Nephrology, and a professor of medicine in nephrology at Emory University School of Medicine.

, current Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) guidance recommends reducing proteinuria below 0.5 g/day, a target that can be difficult to achieve with supportive care alone. I

nterim phase 3 RAINIER data presented at the 

American Society of Nephrology (ASN) Kidney Week 2026

 in Denver, Colorado, suggest the dual APRIL/BAFF inhibitor povetacicept could help substantially more patients reach a corresponding urine protein-to-creatinine ratio (UPCR) threshold of <0.5 g/g.¹

42% on Povetacicept Reach KDIGO-Aligned UPCR Target in RAINIER

“For clinicians prior to this, there was sort of a nebulous recommendation of keeping the protein less than 1000. We now know that getting below 500 makes a tremendous difference in this decline in GFR over time,” James Tumlin, MD, president of NephroNet, director of research at Georgia Nephrology, and professor of medicine at Emory University School of Medicine, said in an interview with 

RAINIER Interim Analysis Shows More Patients Reaching Lower Proteinuria

RAINIER is an ongoing randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in adults with biopsy-proven IgAN receiving optimized standard of care. The main cohort randomized 557 participants to povetacicept 80 mg (n = 371) or placebo (n = 186), administered subcutaneously every 4 weeks.¹

The prespecified interim efficacy analysis included 199 participants, including 131 receiving povetacicept and 68 receiving placebo. The primary endpoint was change from baseline in 24-hour UPCR at week 36.¹

Povetacicept reduced 24-hour UPCR by 52.0% compared with 4.3% for placebo, yielding a placebo-adjusted treatment effect of 49.8% (95% CI, 39.2%–58.6%; P < .0001). The effect was consistent across all evaluated subgroups.¹

Notably, 42.2% of patients receiving povetacicept achieved a 24-hour UPCR <0.5 g/g at week 36 compared with 6.2% receiving placebo.¹ The finding is particularly relevant as clinicians increasingly focus on achieving lower proteinuria levels associated with better long-term kidney outcomes.

Povetacicept also met both secondary endpoints. Galactose-deficient IgA1 (Gd-IgA1) decreased by 77.4% with povetacicept compared with a 9.1% increase with placebo. Among participants with hematuria at baseline, 85.1% experienced resolution compared with 23.4% receiving placebo.¹

 full RAINIER results coverage provides a detailed breakdown of the trial's efficacy and safety endpoints.

Why Dual APRIL and BAFF Inhibition Targets Gd-IgA1 Production

Tumlin described povetacicept as part of a newer class of B-cell-modifying agents targeting pathways involved in IgAN pathogenesis.

APRIL and BAFF are cytokines with overlapping but distinct roles in B-cell activation, differentiation, and survival. In IgAN, increased signaling through these pathways contributes to the production of Gd-IgA1 and antibodies against it, which can form pathogenic immune complexes that deposit in the kidneys.¹

Some therapies in development or clinical use target APRIL alone, whereas povetacicept inhibits both APRIL and BAFF.

“There are previous basic science data that suggest that combination inhibition of both APRIL and BAFF is required to block the progression of a developing B cell to a plasma cell,” Tumlin said. “There is speculation, completely unknown but thought about, that the potency of povetacicept and being an APRIL/BAFF antagonist may be able to induce longer-term remissions.”

Whether dual inhibition produces more durable clinical remissions than APRIL inhibition alone remains unknown. RAINIER's interim findings demonstrate reductions in proteinuria and Gd-IgA1 but do not establish comparative superiority over other agents or long-term remission durability.

Tumlin raised a similar possibility in an interview with 

 following the presentation of phase 1/2 RUBY-3 data at Kidney Week 2025.

Povetacicept Safety Profile and Every-4-Week Subcutaneous Dosing

Povetacicept was generally well tolerated in the interim analysis, with adverse events occurring at similar rates in the povetacicept and placebo groups (75.0% vs 78.4%). Serious adverse events were reported in 3.0% and 4.3% of participants, respectively.¹

Tumlin noted injection-site reactions and some gastrointestinal adverse effects but did not identify major infections as a concern in his discussion of the findings.

He also highlighted the potential practical benefit of povetacicept's dosing schedule. The therapy is administered subcutaneously every 4 weeks, which Tumlin suggested could support treatment adherence as injectable therapies become increasingly common in IgAN management.

eGFR Slope Data and the FDA Decision Timeline for Povetacicept

Although the interim RAINIER findings demonstrate substantial reductions in proteinuria, longer-term kidney function outcomes remain pending. The trial continues in a blinded manner until the last enrolled participant completes 104 weeks, with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) slope through week 104 serving as the final primary endpoint.²,³

These findings will help determine whether the proteinuria reductions observed at week 36 translate into slower kidney function decline over time.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has accepted Vertex Pharmaceuticals' application for potential accelerated approval of povetacicept in IgAN, with a target action date of November 30, 2026.³

“It’s an exciting time to be a physician that treats this because we finally have some arrows in our quiver that really seem to make a difference,” Tumlin said.

Editor's Note: Disclosures for Tumlin include Vera Therapeutics, Calliditas Therapeutics, Alexion Pharmaceuticals, and Vertex Pharmaceuticals.

Lafayette RA, Azzi JR, Nester CM, et al. Povetacicept for treatment of IgA nephropathy: RAINIER phase 3 interim efficacy and safety analysis (IA). Abstract SA-OR076. Presented at: ASN Kidney Week 2026; October 24, 2026; Denver, CO. doi:

Barratt J, Zhang H, Han SH, et al; RAINIER AIS-D08 Trial Group. Interim analysis of a phase 3 trial of povetacicept in IgA nephropathy. 

Phase 3 RAINIER results supporting best-in-class potential of povetacicept in IgA nephropathy published in the New England Journal of Medicine and presented at the American Society of Nephrology Kidney Week 2026. News release. Vertex Pharmaceuticals. October 23, 2026. Accessed October 25, 2026. 

https://www.stocktitan.net/news/VRTX/phase-3-rainier-results-supporting-best-in-class-potential-of-i8qdc4svlmdr.html

Videos

James Tumlin, MD, discusses RAINIER's proteinuria findings, dual APRIL/BAFF inhibition, safety, and the upcoming FDA decision.

Conference

 conference coverage page features articles, videos, and expert-led live coverage from major medical meetings throughout the year.

Abigail Brooks is a strategic content lead overseeing 

She joined MJH Life Sciences in August 2023 shortly after graduating from Monmouth University where she earned her BA in Communication with a concentration in Public Relations/Journalism and later an MA in Interactive Digital Media. She enjoys traveling, running, and reading books. She can be reached at abrooks@mjhlifesciences.com.

Creatinine-based estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) substantially underestimated the prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in patients with solid tumors compared with measured GFR (mGFR), according to findings presented at 

 Adding cystatin C narrowed the gap, but agreement with mGFR remained poor, particularly at thresholds guiding chemotherapy eligibility and dosing.

“The results suggest that errors in GFR estimation may contribute to exceeding toxicity in patients with cancer receiving anticancer therapy,” Veronica Torres Costa e Silva, MD, PhD, of the University of São Paulo Medical School, said in a statement.

 “I’ll give the example of cisplatin. Most recommendations state that patients with GFR of 45–60 ml/min/1.73m2 should have a dose reduction of 25–50%, and those with GFR below 45 ml/min/1.73m2 should not be considered eligible. This means that our patients are receiving exceedingly higher doses and having a higher frequency of toxicity because we are not capable of accurately assessing GFR and making accurate dose adjustments.”

GFR discrepancies are well recognized in the general population but have not been well characterized in patients with cancer.

 The 2024 KDIGO CKD guideline recommends estimating GFR using both creatinine and cystatin C when cystatin C is available.

How Often Did eGFR Misclassify Kidney Function in Patients with Cancer?

This cross-sectional analysis evaluated a prospective cohort of 1200 patients with active solid tumors at a tertiary cancer center in São Paulo, Brazil, recruited between April 2015 and September 2017. Serum creatinine and cystatin C were measured before treatment initiation using certified reference materials, on the same day as mGFR by plasma clearance of chromium 51-labeled EDTA.

Investigators calculated eGFR from creatinine alone and from creatinine plus cystatin C using the 2021 CKD-EPI equations. Mean age was 58.8 years, and 50.8% of patients were male. The most common cancer sites were breast (22.6%), prostate (19.8%), and gastrointestinal (13.4%), and 14.8% of patients had metastatic disease.

Mean mGFR was 78.5 mL/min/1.73 m². CKD prevalence was 18.9% by mGFR, compared with 10.2% by creatinine-based eGFR and 15.7% by creatinine plus cystatin C–based eGFR.

The greatest discrepancies occurred near clinically important cutoffs. Among patients with an mGFR of 45 to 59 mL/min/1.73 m², 72.1% had a creatinine-based eGFR > 60. Among those with an mGFR below 45, 52.5% had a creatinine-based eGFR > 45.

In these misclassified patients, eGFR overestimated kidney function rather than underestimating it.¹ The affected thresholds are critical for drug eligibility and dosing, as clearance of many drugs falls as kidney function declines.

What Do GFR Discrepancies Mean for Chemotherapy Dosing?

The investigators concluded both eGFR equations largely underestimated CKD stages in this cohort, particularly at thresholds requiring decisions about drug eligibility and dose adjustment. They suggested errors in GFR estimation may contribute to excess toxicity in patients receiving anticancer therapy.

The investigators called for an urgent need to incorporate more robust instruments for assessing GFR in clinical practice.

Costa e Silva VT, Inker L, Caires RA, et al. Discrepancy in glomerular filtration rate in patients with cancer. Presented at: ASN Kidney Week 2026; October 22-25, 2026; Denver, CO. doi:10.1681/ASN.2026wydtyd36

American Society of Nephrology. Standard kidney function tests underestimate chronic kidney disease in people with cancer. EurekAlert! Published October 23, 2026. Accessed October 25, 2026. 

https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1148355

Brooks A. KDIGO releases updated 2024 CKD clinical practice guideline. HCPLive. Published March 13, 2024. Accessed October 25, 2026. 

https://www.hcplive.com/view/kdigo-releases-updated-2024-ckd-clinical-practice-guideline

In 1200 patients with solid tumors, creatinine-based eGFR identified CKD in 10.2% vs 18.9% by measured GFR, often missing chemotherapy dosing cutoffs.

Chronic Kidney Disease

eGFR Underestimates CKD in Patients with Cancer, Study Finds

Tegoprubart, an investigational anti-CD40 ligand (CD40L) antibody, was associated with greater improvements in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and fewer medication-related symptoms than tacrolimus in adults receiving their first kidney transplant, according to patient-reported outcome (PRO) data from the phase 2 BESTOW trial.

“Treatment today with tacrolimus helps prevent organ rejection but at a high cost to patients, with side effects such as kidney toxicity, hypertension, diabetes, tremors, and brain fog. Tegoprubart, which works by targeting the CD40L pathway that is central to how immune cells communicate, has the potential to replace tacrolimus and become the new standard of care immunosuppression therapy across all transplant types, not just kidney transplantation,” corresponding author Andrew Adams, MD, PhD, of the University of Minnesota Medical School, said in a statement.

 “These latest BESTOW trial results are encouraging that we may soon have a new medication that can prevent rejection without the side effects of tacrolimus and transform the broader transplant immunosuppression treatment landscape.”

BESTOW previously showed tegoprubart preserved kidney function vs tacrolimus as the core of the immunosuppressive regimen, with fewer cases of new-onset diabetes and tremor.

 At 18 months, mean eGFR was 74 mL/min/1.73 m² with tegoprubart compared with 61 mL/min/1.73 m² with tacrolimus.

 The present analysis represents the first report of HRQoL outcomes from the trial.

How Did Tegoprubart Affect Quality of Life in the BESTOW Trial?

BESTOW was a multicenter, randomized, open-label, active-controlled trial. Patients received intravenous tegoprubart 20 mg/kg on days 1, 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28 and every 21 days thereafter, or oral tacrolimus twice daily. Both groups received rabbit antithymocyte globulin induction and maintenance therapy with mycophenolate and corticosteroids.

PROs were assessed at baseline and at 25 and 52 weeks post-transplant. Investigators used the Kidney Disease Quality of Life 36-Item Short-Form (KDQOL-SF 36), with higher scores indicating better HRQoL, and the Modified Transplant Symptom Occurrence and Symptom Distress scale (MTSOSD-59R), with lower scores indicating fewer symptoms.

Of 127 treated patients, 107 completed study treatment through week 52, including 51 receiving tegoprubart and 56 receiving tacrolimus. At week 52, HRQoL improved from baseline across all 5 KDQOL-SF 36 subscales with tegoprubart, compared with 4 of 5 subscales with tacrolimus.

Improvements were greater with tegoprubart than tacrolimus on the SF-12 mental component summary and the symptoms and problems scale. The investigators concluded the PROs suggest improved HRQoL with tegoprubart versus tacrolimus after kidney transplantation. The KDQOL-SF 36 subscales cover symptoms and problems, effects of kidney disease, burden of kidney disease, and the SF-12 physical and mental component summaries.

Did Tegoprubart Reduce Transplant Medication Side Effects?

The symptom improvement observed on the KDQOL-SF 36 was also reflected in the MTSOSD-59R. Patients receiving tegoprubart had a numerically greater reduction in total symptom score from baseline vs tacrolimus at week 25, and the difference was more pronounced by week 52.

The investigators did not report statistical testing for symptom score differences, and the open-label design may have influenced how patients rated their quality of life.

 Earlier BESTOW results also showed a numerically higher rate of the composite of death, graft loss, or biopsy-proven acute rejection with tegoprubart than tacrolimus at 12 months (22% vs 17%).

Still, the PRO findings add a patient-centered dimension to the kidney function and metabolic safety advantages previously reported with tegoprubart.

 Confirmation in larger, blinded trials will be needed to establish whether these quality-of-life gains hold up as tegoprubart advances in development.

Adams AB, Hovland DN, Habibi S, et al. Patient-reported outcomes in the phase 2 BESTOW trial comparing tegoprubart to tacrolimus in kidney transplant recipients. Presented at: ASN Kidney Week 2026; October 22-25, 2026; Denver, CO. doi:10.1681/ASN.20267zf5wbsg

American Society of Nephrology. Phase 2 BESTOW trial generates promising kidney function and quality of life results for tegoprubart versus tacrolimus immunosuppression in kidney transplant recipients. EurekAlert! Published October 23, 2026. Accessed October 25, 2026. 

https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1148321

Johnson V. BESTOW: Tegoprubart showcases safer prevention of kidney transplant rejection over tacrolimus. HCPLive. Published November 6, 2025. Accessed October 25, 2026. 

https://www.hcplive.com/view/bestow-tegoprubart-showcases-safer-prevention-kidney-transplant-rejection-over-tacrolimus

Adams A. Tegoprubart sustains increased eGFR longterm compared to tacrolimus. HCPLive. Published July 13, 2026. Accessed October 25, 2026. 

https://www.hcplive.com/view/tegoprubart-sustains-increased-longterm-egfr-compared-to-tacrolimus

Phase 2 BESTOW patient-reported outcomes show greater quality-of-life gains and fewer medication-related symptoms with tegoprubart vs tacrolimus at 1 year.

Tegoprubart Improves Quality of Life vs Tacrolimus After Kidney Transplant

Katherine Tuttle, MD, is Executive Director for Research at Providence Inland Northwest Health and Professor of Medicine at the University of Washington.

 in Denver, Colorado, cohosts Brendon Neuen, MBBS, PhD, and Shikha Wadhwani, MD, MS, welcomed back Katherine Tuttle, MD, of Providence Inland Northwest Health and the University of Washington School of Medicine. 

The group broke down new analyses from the FIND-CKD trial of finerenone in non-diabetic chronic kidney disease (CKD), presented during a dedicated finerenone session. Topics included combination therapy with SGLT2 inhibitors, hyperkalemia, IgA nephropathy, and outcomes across CKD severity.

Kidney Compass: New FIND-CKD Finerenone Data From ASN Kidney Week 2026

Does Finerenone Benefit Patients With CKD Already Taking an SGLT2 Inhibitor?

FIND-CKD randomized 1584 patients with non-diabetic CKD, an eGFR of 25 to below 90 mL/min/1.73 m², and albuminuria on optimized renin-angiotensin system blockade to finerenone or placebo.¹ Finerenone slowed total eGFR decline by 0.7 mL/min/1.73 m² per year versus placebo over 32 months, and the effect was similar in the 17% of patients receiving an SGLT2 inhibitor at baseline (

 for interaction = .71). The composite kidney-cardiovascular outcome was also reduced (hazard ratio, 0.77) regardless of SGLT2 inhibitor use.

00:05 - Welcome and episode overview
01:54 - Finerenone with and without SGLT2 inhibitors in FIND-CKD
03:38 - Hyperkalemia risk and management
07:01 - Finerenone in IgA nephropathy
13:31 - Cardiovascular risk and holistic care in IgAN
15:34 - Sequencing therapies for residual albuminuria
17:58 - Kidney injury biomarkers and innate immunity
22:07 - Finerenone effects across CKD severity

Tuttle called the consistency reassuring, noting the 2 drug classes act on different pathways. Neuen added time-updated analyses, accounting for SGLT2 inhibitor use increasing during the trial, showed the same pattern.

On hyperkalemia, Neuen noted potassium above 6.0 mmol/L occurred in about 4% of patients receiving finerenone compared with 2% with placebo, with few events leading to hospitalization or discontinuation. Across CKD severity, hyperkalemia rates ranged from 5.7% with finerenone vs 5.8% with placebo in the least severe group to 29.4% vs 20.6% in the most severe group.²

“So pay attention and manage it,” Tuttle said. “And most of the time, people can tolerate these therapies, and it’s worth it because these really are kidney, heart, and life-saving therapies.”

What Did FIND-CKD Show for Finerenone in IgA Nephropathy?

Of 1584 FIND-CKD participants, 416 (26%) had IgA nephropathy, and 93% had biopsy confirmation.³ Finerenone reduced urine protein-to-creatinine ratio (UPCR) by 51% versus placebo at month 12 and increased the likelihood of reaching UPCR below 500 mg/g (odds ratio, 6.8; 95% CI, 3.7–13.1).

The effect on total eGFR slope was similar in participants with and without IgA nephropathy (0.6 vs 0.7 mL/min/1.73 m² per year; 

 for interaction = .755).³ Finerenone did not reduce galactose-deficient IgA1 or other immunoglobulins but did lower kidney injury biomarkers, particularly KIM-1 and urinary MMP7.

Wadhwani said the ability to reach proteinuria targets without adding immunosuppression is meaningful, given many patients are diagnosed with advanced CKD. Tuttle pointed to cardiovascular disease, particularly heart failure, as the leading cause of death in this population.

Asked how to prioritize therapies, Tuttle advised letting residual albuminuria guide add-on treatment. She urged clinicians to “aspire to extinguish albuminuria even in people with IgA nephropathy, and not just to protect their kidneys, but protect the rest of them.” For patients at risk of heart failure, she said she would favor finerenone, while noting the opinion is not based on a head-to-head trial.

On the biomarker data, Tuttle said reductions in KIM-1 and MMP7 support a complementary mechanism targeting tubulointerstitial inflammation and fibrosis driven by innate immunity, which immunologic therapies leave unaddressed.

Does Finerenone Work Across All Stages of CKD Severity?

In an analysis presented by Tuttle, finerenone reduced the rate of eGFR decline and the composite kidney-cardiovascular outcome vs placebo irrespective of baseline eGFR and urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio.² Tuttle also described a pooled individual participant–level analysis of FIDELIO-DKD, FIGARO-DKD, and FIND-CKD showing consistent benefits, with greater kidney benefit in high-risk groups and greater cardiovascular benefit in lower-risk groups. She said the findings also carry a message for cardiologists, who often manage lower-risk patients, as finerenone can markedly reduce cardiovascular complications regardless of diabetes status.

“So no therapeutic inertia,” Tuttle said. “Initiate finerenone because it preserves kidney function in people with advanced CKD, where kidney failure is their most imminent risk.”

 include AstraZeneca, Bayer, Boehringer Ingelheim, Janssen, and others. Disclosures for 

 include Boehringer Ingelheim, Calliditas Therapeutics, GSK, Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Travere Therapeutics, and others. Disclosures for 

 include Eli Lilly and Company, Boehringer Ingelheim, Astra Zeneca, Gilead, Goldfinch Bio, Novo Nordisk, Travere Therapeutics, and Bayer.

Cherney D, Heerspink HJL, Agarwal R, et al. Finerenone in patients with CKD by SGLT2 inhibitor treatment: a FIND-CKD analysis. Presented at: ASN Kidney Week 2026; October 21-25, 2026; Denver, CO. doi:10.1681/ASN.2026a8de76t0

Tuttle KR, Heerspink HJL, Agarwal R, et al. Effects of finerenone on clinical outcomes by CKD severity: a FIND-CKD analysis. Presented at: ASN Kidney Week 2026; October 21-25, 2026; Denver, CO. doi:10.1681/ASN.2026aepxagfn

Neuen BL, Barratt J, Floege J, et al. Finerenone in patients with IgA nephropathy: a FIND-CKD analysis. Presented at: ASN Kidney Week 2026; October 21-25, 2026; Denver, CO. doi:10.1681/ASN.2026q6qqpem2

Podcasts

Katherine Tuttle, MD, joins Brendon Neuen, MBBS, PhD, and Shikha Wadhwani, MD, MS, to unpack new FIND-CKD finerenone analyses from ASN 2026.

podcasts page features a feed of medical news and interview podcast series, including DocTalk, Lungcast, Derm Discussions, and Heart Trials.

Kidney Compass: Navigating Clinical Trials

Hosted by Brendon Neuen, MBBS, PhD, and Shikha Wadhwani, MD, MS, Kidney Compass: Navigating Clinical Trials is a regular podcast exploring and breaking down the latest updates and nuances of clinical trials in nephrology. By listening to Kidney Compass, you'll get the guidance you need to navigate the changing landscape of clinical trials across the spectrum of kidney disease. 

Steven M. Brunelli, MD, MSCE, is the vice president and medical director of health analytics and insights at DaVita Clinical Research

Longer GLP-1 RA exposure was also associated with a lower hospitalization burden in a cohort of 5,897 patients with type 2 diabetes.

GLP-1s Tied to Weight Loss in Peritoneal Dialysis, With Steven Brunelli, MD

A Kidney Week 2026 survey examines why patients miss dialysis, when barriers arise, and how outreach relates to rescheduling.

Why Patients Miss Dialysis Treatments, With Steven Brunelli, MD

Jessica Kendrick, MD, MPH, is a Professor of Medicine-Renal Med Diseases/Hypertension at University of Colorado Anschutz.

Jessica Kendrick, MD, MPH, discusses phase 3 PATH data showing upacicalcet reduced iPTH in hemodialysis patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism.

Endocrinology

The HCPLive endocrinology page is a comprehensive resource for clinical news and insights on endocrine system conditions. This page consists of interviews, articles, podcasts, and videos on the research, treatment and development of therapies for diabetes, hormonal disease, and more.

This page also hosts content previously published by EndocrinologyNetwork. 


Upacicalcet Lowers PTH in Secondary Hyperparathyroidism on Hemodialysis

Christopher Chan, MD, is director of the division of nephrology, professor of medicine, and R Fraser Elliott Chair in Nephrology at Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network.

Christopher Chan, MD, discusses why digital counseling was linked to higher home KRT uptake only among motivationally ready patients with CKD.

Matching CKD Education to Patient Readiness for Home Dialysis, With Christopher Chan, MD

Karin Gerritsen, MD, PhD, internist-nephrologist and clinical scientist at University Medical Center (UMC) Utrecht

Early RENEW-HD data support moving the 13 kg Neokidney to autonomous use testing, with dialysate calcium adjustments planned.

RENEW-HD: Portable Hemodialysis Data, With Karin Gerritsen, MD, PhD

Jicheng Lv, MD, joins Brendon Neuen, MBBS, PhD, and Shikha Wadhwani, MD, MS, to discuss 2-year TELIGAN data for telitacicept in IgAN.

IgA Nephropathy

The HCPLive Berger disease page is a resource for medical news and expert insights on IgA nephropathy. This page features expert-led coverage, articles, videos and research on the therapies and development of treatments in Berger disease, and more.

Kidney Compass: Final 2-Year TELIGAN Data for Telitacicept in IgA Nephropathy

A PROTECT biomarker analysis shows sparsentan reduced urinary sCD163, BAFF, C5b-9, and IL-6 vs irbesartan through 110 weeks in IgA nephropathy.

Sparsentan Lowers Inflammatory, Complement Biomarkers in IgAN

Diana Isaacs, PharmD, is an endocrine clinical pharmacist, director of Education and Training in Diabetes Technology, and codirector of Endocrine Disorders in Pregnancy at the Cleveland Clinic.

Diana Isaacs, PharmD, and Natalie Bellini, DNP, review early MiniMed Vivera data on optional meal announcements and twiist's new type 2 diabetes clearance.

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes

Diabetes Dialogue

Diabetes Dialogue: Technology, Therapeutics, & Real-World Perspectives is a podcast hosted by Diana Isaacs, PharmD, and Natalie Bellini, DNP, aimed at providing a regular roundup of the latest clinically applicable insights across diabetes and metabolic diseases, with a focus on leveraging technology to improve care.

Diabetes Dialogue: MiniMed Vivera Data and Twiist Type 2 Clearance

Jean Bourbeau, MD, professor of medicine at McGill University.

Jean Bourbeau, MD, says AI analysis of CT scans is not ready for routine use but could reshape early COPD diagnosis as GOLD expands its AI guidance.

Pulmonology

Infectious Disease condition center page is a comprehensive resource for clinical news and insights on respiratory health. This page consists of interviews, articles, podcasts, and videos on the research, treatment and development of therapies for asthma, COPD, interstitial lung disease, COVID-19, and more.

COPD

COPD condition center page, resources on the topics of medical news and expert insight into chronic obstructive pulmonary disease can be found. Content includes articles, interviews, videos, podcasts, and breaking news on COPD research, treatment, and drug development.

AI Could Help Find Undiagnosed COPD on Lung Cancer Screening CT

Hugh Gallagher, MD, is a Consultant Nephrologist at Epsom and St Helier NHS Trust and a Visiting Professor in the Academic Unit of Primary Care and Population Sciences at the University of Southampton.

Hugh Gallagher, MBBS, PhD, discusses a 27% lower point estimate for cardiovascular events with aspirin that was not significant.

Cardiology

Cardiology condition center page is a comprehensive resource for clinical news and insights on cardiovascular and cardiometabolic diseases. This page consists of interviews, articles, podcasts, and videos on the research, treatment and development of therapies for heart disease and cardiovascular events, as well as associated diabetes, renal failure, and more...

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Kidney Compass: New FIND-CKD Finerenone Data From ASN Kidney Week 2026