Promising Findings on Kidney Function in IgA Nephropathy at NKF Meetings

A significant study on the long-term nephroprotective potential of sparsentan compared to maximally titrated irbesartan (MT-IRB) in patients with IgA nephropathy (IgAN) will be unveiled at the 2024 National Kidney Foundation Spring Clinical Meetings in Long Beach, CA. This research aims to provide deeper insights into the efficacy of these treatments in preserving kidney function over an extended period.

The presentation, titled "Matching-Adjusted Indirect Comparisons of eGFR Slopes in the PROTECT Study With UK RaDaR IgA Nephropathy Population and the Control Arm of NefIgArd," analyzes two-year estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) slopes. This comparison involves the PROTECT trial's sparsentan and MT-IRB arms and the standard of care in both real-world and clinical trial environments. Conducted by a collaborative research team from Travere Therapeutics, Analysis Group, JAMCO Pharma Consulting, Ohio State University, and the University of Leicester, the study offers valuable insights into potential treatment strategies for IgAN patients.

The PROTECT clinical trial aims to evaluate the nephroprotective effects of sparsentan and MT-IRB in IgAN patients by comparing trial outcomes with real-world data from the UK National Registry of Rare Kidney Diseases (RaDaR) and a similar clinical trial population from NefIgArd. This approach seeks to understand how these treatments fare in a broader context by incorporating diverse patient populations.

Researchers employed unanchored matching-adjusted indirect comparisons to align baseline characteristics between the PROTECT trial groups and comparator populations. The findings demonstrated that patients treated with sparsentan or MT-IRB in the PROTECT trial experienced a significantly slower decline in kidney function compared to those receiving standard care in both real-world and clinical trial settings. These results underscore the potential of these treatments in decelerating kidney function decline, offering promising avenues for improved IgAN management.

The study’s findings emphasize the importance of considering two-year eGFR slope differences between various clinical trials within the broader context of current medical practice. Moreover, the results pave the way for further research and advancements in the treatment and management of IgA nephropathy.

The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) Spring Clinical Meetings, held annually for the past 32 years, provide a platform for nephrology healthcare professionals across the country to learn about the latest developments in nephrology practice, network with peers, and present research findings. This conference is unique in its focus on translating scientific research into practical applications for the entire healthcare team, aiming for meaningful improvements in skills, performance, and patient health outcomes.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects over 37 million adults in the United States, with approximately 90 percent of individuals unaware of their condition. Key risk factors include diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, and family history. Certain ethnic groups, including Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, American Indian or Alaska Native, Asian American, and Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander populations, are at higher risk for developing kidney disease. Specifically, Black or African American individuals are about four times more likely to develop kidney failure than White individuals, while Hispanics face twice the risk of kidney failure compared to their White counterparts.

The National Kidney Foundation supports healthcare professionals through memberships that offer access to tools, resources, professional education discounts, and a robust network of colleagues dedicated to treating kidney disease. The NKF is committed to eliminating preventable kidney disease, accelerating innovation to improve patient experiences, and addressing structural inequities in kidney care, dialysis, and transplantation.