People living in Scotland who have primary IgA nephropathy (IgAN) will be able to access a new targeted treatment on the NHS following a decision announced this week. 

Kidney Research UK ensured patients’ comments were considered during appraisal of the treatment - called budesonide (Kinpeygo®) – by the Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC). It will be made available for patients who lose at least 1g of protein in their urine per day. 

IgAN is a condition where the kidneys gradually fail, eventually leading to dialysis or a kidney transplant. Budesonide has been shown to slow down the decline of kidney function in patients with IgAN who were also being treated with renin angiotensin system (RAS) inhibitors. The decision could help people with IgAN in Scotland to delay, or potentially even avoid, kidney failure and the need for dialysis or a kidney transplant, in line with access to the treatment for patients in England. 

“This is good news for patients with IgA nephropathy living in Scotland and should give them a better chance of slowing the progression of their disease,” said Alison Railton, Kidney Research UK’s director of policy and public affairs. 

“It’s vital for committee members to hear the voices of people with lived experience during the appraisal process.  Thank you to all those patients who volunteer to help us – your voices can really help to shape these important decisions.” 

For more information see budesonide modified release (brand name: Kinpeygo®) .