Novartis drug approved for adults with IgAN
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Novartis’ oral drug for adults with a serious kidney condition called primary immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN).
Atrasentan is a once-daily nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug that can be taken along with standard supportive care to reduce protein in the urine, known as proteinuria. IgAN, also known as Buerger syndrome, is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the kidneys.
It occurs when antibodies to immunoglobulin A (IgA) are made, causing inflammation and damage over time. Symptoms of IgAN include blood or protein in the urine, swelling of the hands and feet, and high blood pressure.
Atrasentan, sold under the brand name Vanrafia, blocks a specific protein in the kidneys called endothelin A receptor (ETA), which causes inflammation, cell damage, and ultimately proteinuria.
