Novartis presented results from a pre-specified interim analysis of the Phase III ALIGN study of atrasentan, an investigational oral selective endothelin A (ETA) receptor antagonist, in patients with IgA nephropathy (IgAN).

Patients treated with atrasentan, in addition to supportive care (maximally tolerated and stable dose of a renin-angiotensin system [RAS] inhibitor), achieved a 36.1% (p<0.0001) reduction in proteinuria (as measured by 24-hour urine protein to creatinine ratio [UPCR]) at 36 weeks when compared to placebo on top of supportive care.

The results were presented during a late-breaking clinical trials session at the European Renal Association (ERA) Congress1. The study also showed atrasentan has a favorable safety profile consistent with previously reported data.

Proteinuria reduction is a recognized surrogate marker correlating with delaying progression to kidney failure and has been used as an endpoint in IgAN clinical trials to support accelerated regulatory approvals10. US FDA submission for atrasentan in IgAN is on track for the first half of 2024. 

"For those living with IgAN and their families, the disease can have a significant impact not only physically, but also mentally. When my son Eddie was diagnosed with IgAN 20 years ago, there were no FDA-approved medicines developed to treat IgAN. That was as devastating as the diagnosis itself because we felt completely in the dark about how to manage the condition," said Bonnie Schneider, Director and Co-Founder, IgAN Foundation. "It's a disease that affects people differently, and what works for one person may not work for another. We're pleased to see ongoing research into different treatments and are excited for a future where the community will have options to meet their individual needs."

The ALIGN study continues in a blinded manner, and therefore only limited interim analysis results can be presented11,12. The final analysis, including the key secondary endpoint of change from baseline in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) at 136 weeks, and the results in participants receiving a sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitor as background care in an exploratory cohort, is expected in 202611,12. 

"ETA receptor activation causes proteinuria, which is usually one of the first clinical signs of IgAN. Patients with persistent proteinuria have a poorer prognosis and are more likely to progress to kidney failure," said Professor Hiddo Heerspink, Professor of Clinical Trials and Personalized Medicine at the Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology at the University Medical Center Groningen and ALIGN blinded Steering Committee Chair.

"We need targeted treatment options that can support patients with IgAN across the care pathway. These data from the ALIGN study further demonstrate the ability of atrasentan to significantly reduce proteinuria and, if approved, its potential to become a new foundational treatment for people living with IgAN that can be seamlessly added to current supportive therapy."

"Atrasentan has the potential to help transform how IgAN is managed for many people living with this complex illness," said David Soergel, M.D., Global Head, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism Development Unit, Novartis. "Our multi-product IgAN portfolio aims to address the needs of a broad, heterogenous patient population with different modes of action to target distinct drivers of the disease, with the ultimate goal of improving patient care in this therapeutic area."