Marisa Wexler, MS,  senior science writer—

Variants in immune-related genes may make certain people more or less susceptible to anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV), a new study suggests. The study, “Risk HLA class II alleles and amino acid residues in myeloperoxidase–ANCA-associated vasculitis,” was published in the journal Kidney International.  The fact…

After examining 12 established methods for detecting antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCAs), researchers in China identified those likely best for diagnosing patients there suspected of having granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) or microscopic polyangiitis (MPA). Their study, “Evaluation of 12 different assays for detecting ANCA in…

Neutrophils from patients with anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) are better at activating the alternative complement system than neutrophils from healthy people, a study has found. This research emphasizes the role of complement in AAV disease development, and suggests the therapeutic potential of its inhibition. The study, titled…

In a new study comparing Rituxan (rituximab) and azathioprine for the treatment of ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV), rituximab was found to be a cost-effective option, even though it is the more expensive treatment. The study, “Cost-effectiveness of rituximab versus azathioprine for maintenance treatment in antineutrophil…

A piece of an antibody targeting a protein involved in cholesterol transport and metabolism might be an effective treatment for anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibodies (ANCA) vasculitis, a study suggests. The study, “Efficacy of a recombinant single-chain fragment variable region, VasSF, as a new drug for vasculitis,” was published in …

Lower doses of Rituxan (rituximab) appear to be as safe and effective as the standard Rituxan regimen for inducing remission in ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) patients, a retrospective Japanese study suggests. The study, “Low-dose rituximab as induction therapy for ANCA-associated vasculitis,” was published in Clinical Rheumatology.