Targeted-release budesonide for treating primary IgA nephropathy

Targeted-release budesonide is in clinical development for the treatment of primary immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy (IgAN). IgAN is one of the most common causes of chronic kidney disease and kidney failure and is caused by the immune system (the body's natural defences) producing a faulty version of an antibody, which is a protein, called IgA. This causes IgA to build up in small blood vessels in the kidney, called glomeruli, that filter the blood. This damages the glomeruli and makes them leak blood and protein into the urine. Primary IgAN is a long-term debilitating and life-threatening disease with no obvious underlying cause which causes the kidneys to gradually stop working properly and can eventually fail. Current treatment options are focused on management as there is no cure, therefore there remains a need for effective treatment options for patients with IgAN.