Biogen's Felzartamab Shows Promise in Phase 2 IgAN Trial
Key Insights
Biogen's felzartamab demonstrated a 50% reduction in proteinuria in IgA nephropathy (search) (IgAN) patients through 24 months in a Phase 2 trial.
The IGNAZ study showed stable kidney function and sustained treatment effects more than 18 months after the last dose of felzartamab.
Felzartamab selectively reduced IgA antibody levels while maintaining IgG and IgM levels, suggesting preservation of immune function.
Biogen presented complete results from the Phase 2 IGNAZ study of felzartamab in patients with IgA Nephropathy (search) (IgAN) at the American Society of Nephrology (ASN) Kidney Week 2024, revealing substantial proteinuria reductions and stable kidney function. The treatment effects lasted over 18 months post-treatment, marking a significant step forward in addressing this challenging condition.
Significant Reduction in Proteinuria
The Phase 2 IGNAZ study (n=54) demonstrated an approximate 50% reduction in the urinary protein:creatinine ratio (UPCR) through month 24 in patients receiving felzartamab. This reduction was sustained well beyond the six-month treatment period, indicating a durable treatment effect. The findings suggest that felzartamab has the potential to preserve kidney function with intermittent dosing.
Jonathan Barratt, MD, PhD, FRCP, Mayer Professor of Renal Medicine at the University of Leicester, stated, "The complete results of the IGNAZ Study reaffirm our interim findings, showing a reduction in proteinuria, stabilization of kidney function, and sustained treatment effect more than 18 months after the last dose of felzartamab. This is promising news for patients and supports the potential of felzartamab to be a meaningful treatment option for people living with IgA nephropathy (search), a leading cause of chronic kidney disease (search)."
Selective IgA Reduction and Maintained Immune Function
Felzartamab, an investigational anti-CD38 (search) monoclonal antibody, selectively reduced IgA antibody levels while maintaining IgG and IgM levels. This selective reduction may allow maintenance of significant immune functions essential for infection protection. The treatment was generally well-tolerated, with a safety profile consistent with prior studies.
Path to Phase 3 Development
Uptal Patel, M.D., Head of Development, HI-Bio at Biogen, commented, "We are encouraged by the overall results of the IGNAZ study, especially given the significant unmet medical need for additional treatments to address high-risk IgA nephropathy (search). We are grateful to all the participants, investigators and study staff who contributed to this study, whose findings will help us continue to evaluate felzartamab’s role in preserving kidney function as we plan for Phase 3."
Biogen is advancing felzartamab to Phase 3 development. IgAN is a leading cause of chronic kidney disease (search), with up to 40% of patients progressing to end-stage kidney disease approximately 20 years after diagnosis. Felzartamab represents a potential first-in-class therapeutic candidate for a range of rare immune-mediated indications.