News

Immune Checkpoint Molecules Linked to Risk of Relapse in AAV

Blood levels of molecules called soluble immune checkpoints (sICPs) may serve as biomarkers of relapse risk in people with ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV), a study found. Patients with lower levels of these molecules were more likely to relapse after being in remission following treatment with rituximab, but were less likely…

Eye, Ear Symptoms Common in AAV Patients With Rare Condition

Symptoms affecting the eyes and ears are significantly more common in adults with ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) who developed hypertrophic pachymeningitis (HP), a rare condition marked by brain inflammation, a study from Japan reported. Notably, sudden vision or hearing loss was found in AAV patients with HP, suggesting that eye…

Immune Cells Work as ‘Friend and Foe’ in ANCA-associated Vasculitis

Similar to neutrophils, circulating immune macrophage cells contribute to lung bleeding and damage caused by ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV), a study showed. These circulating macrophages were found to have an abnormally activated DNA sensing system — typically used to detect foreign DNA and fight infections — that promotes inflammation. Deleting these macrophages…

COVID-19 Suspected Cause of Girl’s ANCA-associated Vasculitis

A 16-year-old girl developed granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), a type of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV), after being infected with SARS-COV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, according to a recent case report. Hers is the fourth known case of pediatric-onset AAV following COVID-19 infection, suggesting the virus could…

1-Year Mortality Rate in AAV Found Higher in Men Than in Women

Men with ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) have a 1.54 times higher risk of dying within one year than female patients, a new study finds. According to authors, “this [finding] may provide a reliable predictor for clinicians to judge the prognosis and select active treatment for patients with AAV.” The report,…

After $3.7B Deal, Amgen Will Own Rights to AAV Therapy Tavneos

After approximately $3.7 billion in acquisitions, Amgen will own the rights to Tavneos (avacopan), an approved oral therapy developed by ChemoCentryx to treat ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV). Amgen is acquiring ChemoCentryx in a cash deal, expected to be completed by year’s end, the companies announced. “The acquisition of ChemoCentryx represents a…