New Novartis Fabhalta® (iptacopan) data show clinically meaningful and statistically significant proteinuria reduction of 38.3% versus placebo for patients with IgA nephropathy (IgAN)
- Fabhalta (iptacopan) demonstrated a 38.3% reduction in proteinuria in patients with IgA nephropathy compared to placebo.
- The Phase III APPLAUSE-IgAN study is the first to show significant proteinuria reduction by targeting the complement system in IgAN patients.
- Up to 30% of IgAN patients with persistent proteinuria may progress to kidney failure within 10 years, highlighting the need for effective therapies.
- Fabhalta's potential to slow IgAN progression is being evaluated, with a primary endpoint expected in 2025.
- Novartis continues to advance its renal portfolio to address the unmet needs of patients with kidney diseases.
- Further data from the renal portfolio, including real-world studies, will be presented at future medical meetings.
- None.
Insights
The data presented on Novartis' Fabhalta (iptacopan) from the APPLAUSE-IgAN study highlight a substantive development in the management of IgA nephropathy (IgAN). As a nephrologist, the 38.3% reduction in proteinuria observed over 9 months, which is statistically significant, marks a promising advancement in this clinical area. Proteinuria is a pivotal biomarker for renal health, with reductions often correlating to delayed progression of kidney disease, potentially staving off dialysis or transplantation. This outcome is particularly impactful for patients who experience a significant quality-of-life decline as the disease progresses. The focus on the alternative complement pathway as a therapeutic target underlines a novel approach contrasting with traditional immunosuppression, which can carry substantial side effects.
The safety profile, noted as favorable, is critical; as tolerance determines the long-term viability of any chronic therapy. The potential for accelerated FDA approval based on these interim findings provides hope for patients needing more specific and effective treatments. However, the true test will be the primary endpoint of eGFR slope over 24 months, which directly measures kidney function decline. Until then, while the reduction in proteinuria is encouraging, its actual impact on long-term outcomes such as end-stage renal disease remains to be fully quantified.
The announcement regarding Fabhalta's clinical progress represents important information for stakeholders in Novartis' business trajectory. Within the pharmaceutical industry, successful phase III trial outcomes can significantly alter a company's market position, especially in a niche area like rare kidney diseases. The specific targeting of the alternative complement pathway may allow Novartis to carve out a definitive presence within the nephrology market. Moreover, the potential for accelerated approval and priority review by the FDA often leads to heightened investor interest, as these mechanisms can drastically shorten the time to market, offering a competitive edge and the potential for earlier revenue streams.
Conversely, investors should be cognizant of the inherent risks involved with drug development, such as the possibility of adverse findings in the ongoing study or regulatory hurdles. It is also worth monitoring how Novartis plans to position Fabhalta within its broader renal portfolio, which might indicate their strategy for capitalizing on synergies between treatments. Given the progressive nature of IgAN and the lack of targeted therapies, a successful new drug launch could meet the unmet needs of patients and may command premium pricing in the market, further impacting the company's financial outlook.
A closer examination from a health economics perspective reveals that advancements like Novartis' Fabhalta potentially offer considerable economic implications beyond the direct health benefits to patients. Chronic kidney disease and its progression to end-stage renal disease impose a significant economic burden on healthcare systems due to costly treatments like dialysis and kidney transplantations. Effective management of IgAN with a therapy that slows disease progression could yield substantial cost savings over time.
Furthermore, reducing the incidence of kidney failure correlates with decreased healthcare spending and improved patient outcomes, including quality of life and productivity. However, it is essential to consider the cost-effectiveness of new treatments such as Fabhalta. While the drug may lessen the frequency of costly interventions, the pricing strategy adopted by Novartis will determine its accessibility and overall impact on healthcare expenditures. Rigorous economic analyses will be vital in assessing the value proposition of Fabhalta once more data on its efficacy and long-term benefits become available.
- APPLAUSE-IgAN is first and only Phase III study to demonstrate significant proteinuria reduction by targeting the complement system in patients with IgAN1
- IgAN is a heterogeneous, progressive, rare kidney disease and is a major cause of chronic kidney disease worldwide2; complement activation is a key driver of glomerular inflammation in IgAN3,4
- There is a need for effective, targeted therapies for IgAN2,5; up to
30% of patients with persistent proteinuria (≥1 g/day) may progress to kidney failure within 10 years, requiring maintenance dialysis and/or kidney transplantation6 - Novartis continues to advance broad renal portfolio in late-stage development, exploring the potential to slow disease progression and extend dialysis-free life
Proteinuria reduction is an increasingly recognized surrogate marker correlating with progression to kidney failure and has been used as an endpoint in IgAN clinical trials to support accelerated approvals7. The study also showed that Fabhalta was well tolerated with a favorable safety profile consistent with previously reported data1,8. Results were presented today during a late-breaking clinical trials session at the World Congress of Nephrology (WCN) in
"In IgAN, part of the immune system called the alternative complement pathway can become overly activated in the kidneys, which causes an inflammatory response, leading to progressive kidney damage and gradual loss of kidney function. The loss of kidney function, together with potential side effects of IgAN treatments available until recently, significantly impact patients' lives," said Professor Dana Rizk, Investigator and APPLAUSE-IgAN Steering Committee Member and professor in the UAB Division of Nephrology. "Fabhalta is the first potential treatment for IgAN that specifically targets the alternative complement pathway."
This pre-specified interim analysis included 250 patients for the efficacy analysis and 443 for the safety analysis1. The APPLAUSE-IgAN study continues in a double-blind fashion, and therefore only limited interim analysis results can be presented9,10. Submission for possible accelerated approval to the FDA was accepted and has received priority review. The primary endpoint evaluating Fabhalta's ability to slow IgAN progression by measuring the annualized total estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) slope over 24 months is expected at study completion in 20259,10.
"IgAN progresses over many years, and patients' needs may evolve such that different therapies may be best used at different times," said David Soergel, M.D., Global Head, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism Development Unit, Novartis. "Our renal pipeline includes medicines with a variety of mechanisms which may allow them to be targeted to patients based on their clinical characteristics."
Other data presented at WCN include IgAN and C3 glomerulopathy (C3G) real-world studies. Novartis will be presenting further data from the renal portfolio at future medical meetings.
About APPLAUSE-IgAN
APPLAUSE-IgAN (NCT04578834) is a Phase III multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of twice-daily oral Fabhalta (200 mg) in 518 adult primary IgAN patients9,10.
The two primary endpoints of the study for the interim and final analysis, respectively, are proteinuria reduction at 9 months as measured by UPCR, and the annualized total eGFR slope over 24 months9,10. At the time of final analysis, the following secondary endpoints will also be assessed: proportion of participants reaching UPCR <1 g/g without receiving corticosteroids/immunosuppressants or other newly approved drugs or initiating new background therapy for treatment of IgAN or initiating kidney replacement therapy (KRT), time from randomization to first occurrence of composite kidney failure endpoint event (reaching either sustained ≥
The main study population enrolled patients with an eGFR ≥30 mL/min/1.73 m2 and UPCR ≥1 g/g at baseline9,10. In addition, a smaller cohort of patients with severe renal impairment (eGFR 20–30 mL/min/1.73 m2 at baseline) was also enrolled to provide additional information but will not contribute to the main efficacy analyses9,10.
About Fabhalta® (iptacopan)
Fabhalta (iptacopan) is an oral, Factor B inhibitor of the alternative complement pathway1.
Discovered at Novartis, Fabhalta is currently in development for a range of rare diseases including IgAN, C3G, atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS), immune complex membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (IC-MPGN) and lupus nephritis (LN).
Fabhalta was approved by the FDA in December 2023 for the treatment of adults with the rare blood disorder paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) and received a positive opinion from the CHMP of the EMA in March 202411,12.
About IgA nephropathy (IgAN)
IgAN is a heterogeneous, progressive, rare kidney disease2. Each year, approximately 25 people per million worldwide are newly diagnosed with IgAN13.
Up to
Novartis commitment in renal
At Novartis, our journey in nephrology began more than 40 years ago when the development and introduction of cyclosporine helped reimagine the field of transplantation and immunosuppression. We continue today with the same bold ambition to transform the lives of people living with kidney diseases.
Through our renal portfolio, we are exploring potential therapeutic options to address the current unmet needs of people living with rare kidney diseases, including IgAN, C3G, aHUS, IC-MPGN and LN. New and innovative treatment options that target the underlying causes of rare kidney diseases may slow disease progression and help people live longer without the need for infusions, dialysis or transplantation.
IgAN is a heterogeneous disease presenting with a variety of clinical manifestations, phenotypes, and variable speeds of progression2. In addition to Fabhalta, Novartis is advancing the development of two other therapies in IgAN with highly differentiated mechanisms of action: atrasentan, an investigational oral endothelin A (ETA) receptor antagonist, and zigakibart, an investigational subcutaneously administered anti-APRIL monoclonal antibody, which are both in Phase III development15,16. Through our IgAN pipeline, we are committed to creating a portfolio of innovative medicines that improve and extend the lives of people living with kidney disease.
Disclaimer
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can generally be identified by words such as "potential," "can," "will," "plan," "may," "could," "would," "expect," "anticipate," "look forward," "believe," "committed," "investigational," "pipeline," "launch," or similar terms, or by express or implied discussions regarding potential marketing approvals, new indications or labeling for the investigational or approved products described in this press release, or regarding potential future revenues from such products. You should not place undue reliance on these statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on our current beliefs and expectations regarding future events, and are subject to significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. There can be no guarantee that the investigational or approved products described in this press release will be submitted or approved for sale or for any additional indications or labeling in any market, or at any particular time. Nor can there be any guarantee that such products will be commercially successful in the future. In particular, our expectations regarding such products could be affected by, among other things, the uncertainties inherent in research and development, including clinical trial results and additional analysis of existing clinical data; regulatory actions or delays or government regulation generally; global trends toward health care cost containment, including government, payor and general public pricing and reimbursement pressures and requirements for increased pricing transparency; our ability to obtain or maintain proprietary intellectual property protection; the particular prescribing preferences of physicians and patients; general political, economic and business conditions, including the effects of and efforts to mitigate pandemic diseases; safety, quality, data integrity or manufacturing issues; potential or actual data security and data privacy breaches, or disruptions of our information technology systems, and other risks and factors referred to in Novartis AG's current Form 20-F on file with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. Novartis is providing the information in this press release as of this date and does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this press release as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
About Novartis
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References
- Perkovic V, Kollins D, Renfurm R, et al. Efficacy and Safety of Iptacopan in Patients with IgA Nephropathy: Interim Results from the Phase 3 APPLAUSE-IgAN Study. Presented at the World Congress of Nephrology (WCN); April 15, 2024;
Buenos Aires, Argentina . - Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) 2021 Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Glomerular Diseases. Kidney Int. 2021;100(4):S1-S276. doi:10.1016/j.kint.2021.05.021
- Rizk DV, Maillard N, Julian BA, et al. The Emerging Role of Complement Proteins as a Target for Therapy of IgA Nephropathy. Front Immunol. 2019;10:504. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2019.00504
- Medjeral-Thomas NR, O'Shaughnessy MM. Complement in IgA Nephropathy: The Role of Complement in the Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Future Management of IgA Nephropathy. Adv Chronic Kidney Dis. 2020;27(2):111-119. doi:10.1053/j.ackd.2019.12.004
- Boyd JK, Cheung CK, Molyneux K, Feehally J, Barratt J. An Update on the Pathogenesis and Treatment of IgA Nephropathy. Kidney Int. 2012;81(9):833-843. doi:10.1038/ki.2011.501
- Reich HN, Troyanov SAA, Scholey JW, Cattran DC. Remission of Proteinuria Improves Prognosis in IgA Nephropathy. J Am Soc Nephrol. 2007;18(12):3177-3183. doi:10.1681/ASN.2007050526
- Thompson A, Carroll K, Inker LA, et al. Proteinuria Reduction as a Surrogate End Point in Trials of IgA Nephropathy. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol. 2019;14(3):469-481. doi:10.2215/CJN.08600718
- Zhang H, Rizk DV, Perkovic V, et al. Results of a Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Phase 2 Study Propose Iptacopan as an Alternative Complement Pathway Inhibitor for IgA Nephropathy. Kidney Int. 2024;105(1):189-199. doi:10.1016/j.kint.2023.09.027
- Rizk DV, Rovin BH, Zhang H, et al. Targeting the Alternative Complement Pathway with Iptacopan to Treat IgA Nephropathy: Design and Rationale of the APPLAUSE-IgAN Study. Kidney Int Rep. 2023;8(5):968-979. doi:10.1016/j.ekir.2023.01.041
- ClinicalTrials.gov. NCT04578834. A Multi-Center, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel Group, Phase III Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of LNP023 in Primary IgA Nephropathy Patients. Available from: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04578834. Accessed April 2024.
- Novartis. Novartis receives FDA approval for Fabhalta® (iptacopan), offering superior hemoglobin improvement in the absence of transfusions as the first oral monotherapy for adults with PNH. Available from: https://www.novartis.com/news/media-releases/novartis-receives-fda-approval-fabhalta-iptacopan-offering-superior-hemoglobin-improvement-absence-transfusions-first-oral-monotherapy-adults-pnh. Accessed April 2024.
- Novartis. Novartis Fabhalta® (iptacopan) receives positive CHMP opinion as first oral monotherapy for adult patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH). Available from: https://www.novartis.com/news/media-releases/novartis-fabhalta-iptacopan-receives-positive-chmp-opinion-first-oral-monotherapy-adult-patients-paroxysmal-nocturnal-hemoglobinuria-pnh. Accessed April 2024.
- McGrogan A, Franssen CF, de Vries CS. The Incidence of Primary Glomerulonephritis Worldwide: A Systematic Review of the Literature. Nephrol Dial Transplant. 2011;26(2):414-430. doi:10.1093/ndt/gfq665
- Xie J, Kiryluk K, Wang W, et al. Predicting Progression of IgA Nephropathy: New Clinical Progression Risk Score. PLoS ONE. 2012;7(6):e38904. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0038904
- Novartis. Novartis completes acquisition of Chinook Therapeutics. Available from: https://www.novartis.com/news/media-releases/novartis-completes-acquisition-chinook-therapeutics. Accessed April 2024.
- Novartis. Novartis investigational atrasentan Phase III study demonstrates clinically meaningful and highly statistically significant proteinuria reduction in patients with IgA nephropathy (IgAN). Available from: https://www.novartis.com/news/media-releases/novartis-investigational-atrasentan-phase-iii-study-demonstrates-clinically-meaningful-and-highly-statistically-significant-proteinuria-reduction-patients-iga-nephropathy-igan. Accessed April 2024.
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