Felzartamab Updates in IgAN from Kidney Week 2024, with Jonathan Barratt, MD, PhD

The management of IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is in the midst of revolutionary change. Driven by advances in pathophysiology occurring over the course of the several decades, these changes have led to the emergence of several new pharmacotherapies within the pipeline. Now, with multiple fully approved therapies, the prognosis for patients is brighter than at any point in history.

In this video, which is the fourth in a 5-part series, Barratt discusses data from the phase 2 IGNAZ study. Investigating a novel approach to reducing pathogenic IgA production through CD38-positive plasma cell depletion, the IGNAZ study highlights the longer-term outcomes with felzartamab, demonstrating sustained reductions in proteinuria and immunoglobulin suppression with a brief course of CD38 depletion.

Barratt notes the potential for varied therapeutic approaches for IgAN, given differences in patients' genetic backgrounds and environmental factors that may influence pathogenic IgA production. With promising long-term data from B-cell modulators like atacicept and now plasma cell depletion, this approach offers a potentially impactful strategy in managing IgA nephropathy over the course of a patient’s lifetime.

Relevant disclosures of interest for Barratt included Argenx, Calliditas Therapeutics, Chinook Therapeutics, Galapagos NV, GSK, Novartis, and Travere Therapeutics.