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Anca-associated VasculitisFebruary 2021Summary reviewed May 2026

What the ADVOCATE Trial Found — Avacopan for ANCA-Associated Vasculitis

ADVOCATE tested avacopan, a daily pill that blocks part of the inflammatory cascade, in 331 people with ANCA-associated vasculitis. The goal was to reduce the long-term steroid doses that cause weight gain, infections, and bone loss.

What the trial was testing

The ADVOCATE enrolled 331 patients with anca-associated vasculitis. The study was sponsored by ChemoCentryx and tracked outcomes across the full group of patients who matched the trial's eligibility profile.

It was a large trial designed to confirm whether the treatment works well enough for wider use. Trials at this stage are designed to produce evidence regulators and physicians can act on — not just observations to follow up later.

What the results showed

66% sustained remission at one year — and far less steroid use.

New England Journal of Medicine · 2021 · NCT02994927

These findings — that of patients in sustained remission at one year on avacopan vs. tapered steroids — were published in the New England Journal of Medicine and represent the headline result of the study.

Researchers tracked outcomes across 331 patients enrolled in the trial. The result was consistent enough across the group that the team felt confident reporting it.

What this means for patients

For patients with anca-associated vasculitis, this result changes the calculus on what to ask their care team about. Whether it changes day-to-day care depends on factors like disease subtype, prior treatments, and where the patient is in their care journey.

What you can do now

Avacopan (Tavneos) is FDA-approved for severe active ANCA-associated vasculitis and available now. It is given alongside standard immune-suppressing therapy and lets most people taper off steroids faster. Ask a rheumatologist or kidney specialist whether it fits your treatment plan.

Eligibility for the treatments mentioned above depends on specific test results and clinical history. Bring this summary, the trial name, and your most recent labs or pathology report to your next visit.