More people with IgAN to access treatment
Kidney Research UK has welcomed a decision that will enable more people living with primary IgA nephropathy (IgAN) to access a targeted treatment on the NHS in England.
IgAN is a common chronic kidney disease mainly affecting young adults. It is caused by a protein called immunoglobulin A (IgA) becoming trapped in the very fine filters of the kidney (glomeruli), causing damage and scarring to the whole kidney.
Following a decision by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) in November 2023, people with IgAN who had high levels of protein in their urine (a urine protein-to-creatinine ratio of 1.5 g/g or more) could access a treatment called targeted-release budesonide on the NHS.
What this means for patients
The new decision – announced on Wednesday 4 February – now means the treatment can be offered to people living with IgAN who have a lower level of protein in their urine (0.8g/g or more).
This change could help people with IgAN start treatment earlier, potentially delaying, or even avoiding kidney failure. Kidney Research UK worked with a patient expert to share evidence and help the NICE committee understand the impact the treatment could have on people’s lives.
“Earlier access to treatment matters. This is a really positive step for people living with IgA nephropathy that should give them a better chance of slowing disease progression as early as possible,” said Alison Railton, Kidney Research UK’s director of policy and public affairs.
“We’re grateful to the patient expert who shared their experience with NICE and helped show the real-world impact this decision could have. Working alongside patients strengthens the case for change, and we’re committed to doing more of this to ensure decisions reflect what truly matters to people affected by kidney disease,” she added.
NICE noted: “Patient experts commented that preventing disease progression and delaying the need for dialysis or kidney transplant are particularly important, and that people with IgAN would welcome earlier access to targeted-release budesonide.
“The committee concluded that widening access to targeted release budesonide would be welcomed by healthcare professionals and people with IgAN.”
For more information see Overview | Targeted-release budesonide for treating primary IgA nephropathy | Guidance | NICE
Important information for patients
If you are living with IgAN, please speak to your healthcare professional about how best to manage your treatment. This article is intended to provide general information and does not replace medical advice.
If you experience any side effects, speak to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. You can also report side effects directly via the https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk. By reporting side effects, you help improve the safety of medicines.
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