IgA nephropathy
Vertex is focused on discovering, developing and producing innovative medicines so people with serious diseases can lead better lives. Our scientists don’t see the impossible as an obstacle; they see it as a good place to start.
Vertex is focused on discovering, developing and producing innovative medicines so people with serious diseases can lead better lives. Our scientists don’t see the impossible as an obstacle; they see it as a good place to start.
About IgA nephropathy (IgAN)
What is IgAN? IgAN is a serious, progressive, life-threatening chronic kidney disease that causes inflammation and damage to the kidneys. It is the most common primary glomerulonephritis worldwide. A high percentage of people with IgAN progress to end-stage kidney disease. There are no approved therapies that specifically target the underlying cause of IgAN.
How is IgAN diagnosed? IgAN is typically diagnosed by testing the patient’s blood and urine. A kidney biopsy is required to confirm the diagnosis.
What is the underlying cause of disease? IgAN is thought to occur when the body produces an abnormal form of IgA, a type of antibody that normally helps the body fight infections, using certain proteins including APRIL (a proliferation inducing ligand) and BAFF (B cell activating factor). The body generates an abnormal immune response, including antibodies (autoantibodies), against this abnormal IgA, and these antibodies can combine to create larger molecules called immune complexes. These immune complexes can deposit in the kidneys, triggering damage and inflammation, especially within the glomeruli (the parts of the kidney that filter blood), impairing the kidneys’ ability to properly filter waste and fluid.
The Vertex approach
Our goal is to target the underlying cause of IgAN. Consistent with our strategy of serial innovation, we continue to discover, research and develop large molecule medicines for the potential treatment of IgAN.
Pipeline
These programs are investigating treatments or outcomes that have not received approval from a health authority. The information presented is not intended to convey conclusions of safety or efficacy. There is no guarantee that the outcome of these studies will result in approval by a health authority.
Our studies
For more information about our IgAN studies, visit clinicaltrials.gov.