IgA Nephropathy (IgAN)
Immunoglobulin A Nephropathy, or IgAN, is a kidney disease in which IgA, a protein meant to defend the body against foreign invaders, accumulates in the kidneys and damages them. Abnormal IgA proteins lead to the formation of immune complexes which are deposited in the kidneys, specifically in the glomerulus, and cause damage. Damage causes substances such as red blood cells and proteins to pass through into the urine.
Common symptoms of IgAN include hematuria (blood in the urine), flank pain, swelling in the ankles, and high blood pressure.
IgAN may be suspected when a patient has bloody or dark urine following a respiratory tract illness. Kidney biopsy is the only true way to diagnose IgAN. History, physical exam, urine and blood tests can help support the diagnosis after biopsy
Fabhalta (iptacopan)
Fabhalta (iptacopan)
Fabhalta (iptacopan) is a complement factor B inhibitor, indicated for the treatment of adult patients with proteinuria due to primary immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) at risk of rapid disease progression, generally with a urine protein-to-creatine ratio (UPCR) ≥1.5g/g.
Patient Resources
National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) supports patient advocacy, education, and research.
The National Kidney Foundation is a voluntary, non-profit organization dedicated to preventing kidney and urinary tract diseases, improving the health and well-being of individuals and families affected by these diseases, and increasing the availability of organs for transplantation.
