Rituxan Combo Returns ANCA-associated Vasculitis Patients to Remission, Phase 3 Trial Shows

Combining Genentech’s Rituxan (rituximab) with glucocorticoids is an effective way for people with a flare-up of ANCA-associated vasculitis to return to remission, a Phase 3 clinical trial indicates. The RITAZAREM trial dealt with relapses of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis, whose shorter name is ANCA-associated vasculitis, or AAV. Genentech presented the…

The thyroid medication propylthiouracil (PTU) can sometimes cause antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV), but a new study shows the condition has a milder course and excellent remission rates after ending PTU treatment. The study, titled “Clinical characteristics and outcomes of propylthiouracil-induced antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis…

Platelets were found to take part in activating the alternative complement pathway, a known and important step in the progression of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis. According to the study “Platelets are activated in ANCA-associated vasculitis via thrombin-PARs pathway and can activate the alternative complement pathway” published…

The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) says it’s “disappointed and dismayed” after the House of Representatives voted 227-205 last week to repeal the Orphan Drug Tax Credit as part of a U.S. tax reform package. A similar package before the Senate Finance Committee does not repeal the credit…

Rituxan (rituximab) is a safe and effective treatment for patients with anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) and should be considered in patients that are resistant to standard therapy, a new study shows. The study, “Relapsing granulomatosis with polyangiitis with severe lung and upper respiratory tract involvement successfully…

ChemoCentryx has enrolled 30 percent of the 300 ANCA-associated vasculitis patients it hopes to recruit for a Phase 3 trial assessing the effectiveness of its therapy avacopan. The company is recruiting patients at more than 185 sites. Those interested in participating (NCT02994927) can visit this website to find a site…

A case report finds that necrobiotic xanthogranuloma scleritis, an inflammation of the white part of the eye, could be an early sign of granulomatosis with polyangiitis. The study, “Necrobiotic xanthogranuloma scleritis in a case of granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener’s granulomatosis)” was published in the International Medical Case…

Low blood levels of C3 protein at time of diagnosis are associated with poorer outcomes in patients with anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV), a Croatian study shows. The study, “Serum C3 complement levels in ANCA associated vasculitis at diagnosis is a predictor of patient and renal…

RIPK1 inhibitors may one day treat patients with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-induced vasculitis (AAV), a new study finds. The study, “Necroptosis controls NET generation and mediates complement activation, endothelial damage, and autoimmune vasculitis,” appeared in the journal PNAS. AAV is characterized by circulating antibodies (ANCA) against…

Dr. Ronald J. Falk, chair of the department of medicine at the University of North Carolina and director of the UNC Kidney Center, was honored with the John P. Peters Award by the recent American Society of Nephrology (ASN) for his outstanding contributions to both research and patient care in kidney disease.