IgA nephropathy is the most common form of glomerulonephritis worldwide, caused by deposits of IgA antibodies damaging the kidney's filtering units. Many people live with stable kidney function for years, but about 30-40% eventually progress to kidney failure. Treatment has centered on blood pressure control and immune suppression, with no approved therapies specifically targeting the disease until recently.
What's actually going on in research
Trials are testing targeted complement inhibitors that block a specific part of the immune attack, SGLT2 inhibitors borrowed from diabetes care that appear to protect kidneys broadly, and drugs that reduce IgA antibody production in the gut. Sparsentan, a dual endothelin and angiotensin receptor blocker, gained FDA approval in 2023 as the first drug approved specifically for IgA nephropathy.
Complement inhibitors
Drugs that block the alternative complement pathway appear to reduce protein in the urine and slow kidney damage. Several are in late-stage trials testing whether blocking this immune cascade can preserve kidney function long-term.
SGLT2 inhibitors
These diabetes drugs reduce strain on the kidneys and have shown benefit across multiple kidney diseases. Trials are testing whether dapagliflozin and empagliflozin can slow progression in IgA nephropathy specifically.
Mucosal targeting
Since IgA antibodies often originate in the gut lining, some trials are testing drugs that modify the mucosal immune system. The goal is to reduce production of the abnormal IgA before it reaches the kidneys.
What to know before you search
Eligibility typically depends on the level of protein in the urine, kidney function measured by eGFR, biopsy confirmation of IgA deposits, and how recently you were diagnosed or started current treatments.
What types of trials are currently open
- Treatment trials — Testing new drugs like complement inhibitors or mucosal-targeting therapies to see if they reduce protein in the urine and slow loss of kidney function.
- Repurposing trials — Testing drugs already approved for other conditions, like SGLT2 inhibitors for diabetes, to see if they help preserve kidney function in IgA nephropathy.
- Combination trials — Testing whether adding new targeted drugs to standard blood pressure medications works better than either alone.
- Biomarker studies — Following people over time to identify which lab markers or genetic factors predict who will progress to kidney failure.
- Registry studies — Collecting detailed information from large groups of people with IgA nephropathy to understand disease patterns and treatment outcomes in real-world settings.
Recently added Iga Nephropathy trials
Take kidney disease medications guided by regular blood marker checks
The goal of this open-label, randomized study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the personalized treatment model in which Gd-IgA1 is dynamically monitored to guide medication adjustment in progressive IgAN patients treated with Nefecon or telitacicept. Researchers will compare two groups of participants: those who have Gd-IgA1 checked regularly during treatment, and those who do not. This is to find out if regular Gd-IgA1 checks can help doctors adjust medication better and get better treatment results.
Take a daily pill to treat protein in urine from kidney disease
This is a Phase II, multicenter, open-label study. Eligible subjects who have completed the HSK39297-202 study will be enrolled.Starting dose is 200 mg QD.Dose may be increased to 300 mg QD after 8-12 weeks of stable 200 mg QD therapy if 24-h urine protein excretion (UPE) remains \>1 g/24 h and no Grade ≥3 treatment-related adverse events (AEs) occur.After the treatment period, subjects will enter the 4-week safety follow-up period.
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