News

Kidney proteins could be key to diagnosing, treating AAV: Study

Four proteins in the kidneys likely contribute to the development of ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV), and may be used as diagnostic markers and targets of potential therapies, a study found. The proteins — PDK4, PPARGC1A, FN1, and PSMB10 — are “novel biomarkers that may refine our understanding and management of AAV,”…

Worse disease burden found for EGPA patients with MPO-ANCAs

A greater disease burden and poorer physical quality of life were found for people with eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) who test positive for self-reactive anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCAs) against the myeloperoxidase (MPO) protein compared with EGPA patients who don’t have such autoantibodies. Those are the findings of a new…

Early use of Tavneos in AAV may prevent irreversible organ damage

Treatment with Tavneos (avacopan) appeared to more effectively suppress organ damage — while also significantly lowering glucocorticoid dosages and associated adverse events — in people with ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV), according to a real-world study in Japan. The study looked at the safety and effectiveness of glucocorticoids plus rituximab…

Early results from trial testing NKX019 for AAV expected soon

Preliminary data from a Phase 1 clinical trial testing NKX019, Nkarta’s cell therapy candidate for ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) and other autoimmune conditions, are expected in the second half of this year. That’s according to a mid-year update from the biotechnology company, which is developing the natural killer (NK) cell…

Lower glucocorticoid dose effective for AAV with kidney issues: Study

A low-dose course of glucocorticoid therapy results in similar outcomes as a higher-dose option in people with ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) and kidney involvement, though it may lower risk of serious infection, a study reports. “Our findings reinforce the safety and efficacy of reduced [glucocorticoid] as the initial [glucocorticoid] regimen…

AAV patients on BDB-001 achieve remission, cut corticosteroid use

Use of the experimental therapy BDB-001 helps adults with ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) achieve at least partial disease remission, while reducing the need for standard glucocorticoids. That’s according to new data from a Phase 1/2 clinical trial conducted in China. Glucocorticoids, also commonly called corticosteroids, are a standard AAV…

Combined diagnostic criteria help classify AAV types in children

Combining two diagnostic systems used to classify cases of ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) in adults improved classification performance in a pediatric AAV patient population, according to a study in China. Identifying types of AAV is important to ensure effective clinical care in children, researchers noted. “Considering that distinct clinical…