ASN's Mission

To create a world without kidney diseases, the ASN Alliance for Kidney Health elevates care by educating and informing, driving breakthroughs and innovation, and advocating for policies that create transformative changes in kidney medicine throughout the world.

learn more

Contact ASN

1401 H St, NW, Ste 900, Washington, DC 20005

email@asn-online.org

202-640-4660

The Latest on X

Kidney Week

Abstract: FR-PO0892

Efficacy and Safety of a Targeted-Release Formulation of Budesonide in Patients with IgAN and Severe Renal Impairment: A Real-World Study

Session Information

Category: Glomerular Diseases

  • 1402 Glomerular Diseases: Clinical, Outcomes, and Therapeutics

Authors

  • Li, Qian, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Tongji Medical College Tongji Hospital, Wuhan, Hubei, China
  • Han, Min, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Tongji Medical College Tongji Hospital, Wuhan, Hubei, China
  • Xu, Gang, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Tongji Medical College Tongji Hospital, Wuhan, Hubei, China
Background

The targeted-release formulation of budesonide (Nefecon), which specifically targets gut-associated lymphoid tissue to reduce galactose-deficient IgA1 production, has been shown to significantly decrease proteinuria and stabilize renal function in patients with IgA nephropathy (IgAN) who have mild to moderate renal impairment. However, there is limited clinical evidence regarding its efficacy and safety in IgAN patients with severe renal impairment.

Methods

This single-center retrospective study included patients with primary IgAN and persistent proteinuria (UPCR ≥ 0.8 mg/mg or 24-hour proteinuria ≥ 1 g/d) despite supportive therapy and with eGFR ≤ 35 ml/min/1.73 m2. The primary endpoints were changes in UPCR, UACR, and urinary RBC count. Secondary efficacy outcomes included changes in eGFR and the assessment of adverse events.

Results

26 eligible patients with IgAN were treated with Nefecon. After 12 weeks of treatment, the UPCR decreased from 1.87mg/mg (IQR 1.12-2.89) to 0.70 mg/mg (0.39-1.23) (P < 0.001), resulting in a median reduction of -56.09% (IQR -77.92 to -36.80). The UACR reduced from 1.42 mg/mg (0.83-2.25) to 0.44 mg/mg (0.22-1.04) (P < 0.001), with a median reduction of -65.85% (-90.24 to -41.80). The urinary RBC count decreased from 40.3 cells/μl (15.5-124.7) to 11.6 cells/μl (4.9-27.5) (P < 0.001), showing a median reduction of -66.07% (-84.41 to -26.61). The eGFR increased from 21.31 ± 8.85 ml/min/1.73 m2 to 26.00 ± 11.40 ml/min/1.73 m2 (P = 0.008), with a median increase of 14.62% (IQR -3.53 to 48.15). Throughout the treatment period, no serious adverse events were observed.

Conclusion

Nefecon, when administered to IgAN patients with severe renal impairment and persistent proteinuria, was well-tolerated and resulted in a significant reduction in both proteinuria and hematuria, along with an improvement in eGFR.

Changes in (a, b) UPCR, (c, d) UACR, (e, f) urinary RBC count, and (g, h) eGFR during treatment with Nefecon.

Funding

  • Government Support – Non-U.S.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)