Webinar on IgA Nephropathy and Tarpeyo
Introduction
- Hosted by IgA Nephropathy Foundation
- Sponsored by Khas Therapeutics
- Speaker: Dr. S.A. Narui, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Clinical Nephrologist
- Agenda: Understanding IgA Nephropathy (IgAN) and a new medication, Tarpeyo
Dr. Narui's Background
- Assistant Professor at Loma Linda University Medical Center
- Founder and Director of Glomerular Disease Clinics
- Co-director of GlomCon Glomerular Diseases Fellowship Program
- Special interest in glomerular diseases
- Multiple research projects and clinical trials
Understanding IgA Nephropathy (IgAN)
- Progressive autoimmune disease affecting kidneys
- Immune system attacks the body due to antibodies and antigens (IgA1)
- Formation of immune complexes that cause kidney inflammation
- Diagnosis through kidney biopsy
Connection Between Gut and Kidney
- IgA1 produced in the gut
- Strong connection between gut and kidney in IgAN
- Treatment focus: reducing IgA1 production
Signs and Symptoms
- Blood in urine (microscopic)
- Foamy urine (protein), swelling, lower back pain
- Often diagnosed with CKD stage 2 or 3
Monitoring IgAN
- Blood works: Estimated GFR to assess kidney function
- Urine test: Protein to creatinine ratio (PCR)
- Aim to diagnose and start treatment early to prevent kidney damage
New Treatment: Tarpeyo (Budensonide)
- First FDA-approved treatment for IgAN
- Targeted release medication that acts in the gut
- Reduces IgA1 production and preserves kidney function
- Clinical trials show reduced proteinuria and preserved kidney function over 2 years
Clinical Trial Overview
- 364 patients in the trial
- Compared Tarpeyo with placebo
- Significant reduction in kidney function loss for Tarpeyo group
- Reduction in urine protein with Tarpeyo
- Full course: 9 months treatment
Safety and Side Effects
- Generally well tolerated
- Possible side effects: swelling, high blood pressure, muscle spasms, acne
- Minor weight gain (approx. 2.2 pounds)
- Immune suppression, risk of infections
Patient Experience: Katherine
- Diagnosed at 25, on Tarpeyo for 6 months
- Noticed reduction in proteinuria and stable kidney function
- Minor side effects: leg cramps, slight facial swelling
Recommendations
- Discuss treatment options with your healthcare provider
- Tarpeyo was tested for adults; more data needed for children
- Advocate for yourself in healthcare settings
Tarpeyo Administration
- 9-month course, 4 capsules daily before breakfast
- Taper down to 2 capsules for 2 weeks at the end
- Avoid grapefruit juice
Conclusion
- Tarpeyo offers a promising treatment for IgAN
- Preserves kidney function and reduces proteinuria
- Important to advocate for access to new medications
Contact and Further Information
- Visit IgAN Foundation's website for support resources
- Consider discussing Tarpeyo with your doctor if diagnosed with IgAN
This represents a comprehensive overview of the webinar, focusing on the introduction of Tarpeyo as a new treatment for IgA Nephropathy, its clinical trials, and patient experiences.