Avacopan in addition to standard of care for ANCA-associated vasculitis

Avacopan is in clinical development, in addition to current standard of care, for inducing and sustaining remission in patients with anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis (ANCA-associated vasculitis). ANCA-associated vasculitis is a potentially fatal autoimmune condition characterised by damage to, and inflammation of, small blood vessels commonly in the kidneys, respiratory tract or the skin. Current treatment typically includes glucocorticoids in addition to other therapies to induce and sustain remission. Long-term treatment with glucocorticoids is however associated with increased toxicity, harmful side-effects and negative impact on patients’ quality of life.
Avacopan is an orally-administered medicinal product that targets specific proteins that contribute to the inflammation of small blood vessels in ANCA-vasculitis. Avacopan has been shown to be of benefit as an alternative to glucocorticoids for the induction of remission in ANCA-associated vasculitis. It has fewer side-effects than glucocorticoids, and may also improve the preservation of kidney function. If licensed, avacopan in addition to standard of care therapies could offer an option for inducing and sustaining remission in patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis.