Obinutuzumab for treating primary membranous nephropathy

Obinutuzumab is being developed as a treatment for primary membranous nephropathy (pMN). Membranous nephropathy (MN) is an immune system condition that causes too much fluid to be retained in the body and too much protein to be lost in the urine (proteinuria). MN happens when the immune system mistakenly attacks the filters in the kidneys. This causes swelling or puffiness (oedema), high blood pressure and extreme tiredness. Most cases of pMN only affects the kidneys (primary) where as some cases happen along with other illnesses or triggers. Despite the treatments currently available, many people do not get better, about 20–40% of people do not respond to treatment. Therefore, there is a need for new treatments that are both more effective.