Efficacy and safety analysis of telitacicept in treatment of IgA nephropathy

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of telitacicept in treatment of IgA nephropathy (IgAN).

Methods The clinical data of 9 patients with IgAN treated with telitacicept were retrospectively analyzed. Change of urine protein to creatinine ratio (UPCR), serum creatinine, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and other indicators were compared before and after treatment. Adverse events during follow-up were recorded and analyzed.

Results Nine patients 7 males (77.78%), 2 females (22.22%) completed 12 weeks of treatment. The most common clinical manifestations of included patients were persistent albuminuria, baseline UPCR of 0.91 (0.59, 1.83) g/g, serum creatinine of (120.11±39.58) μmol/L and eGFR of (67.33±25.11) mL/(min·1.73 m²). After 12 weeks of treatment, UPCR was significantly lower than baseline (P < 0.01); before and after treatment, there was no significant difference in serum creatinine, serum uric acid, eGFR and serum albumin in IgAN patients (P>0.05). At 4, 8 and 12 weeks, the mean UPCR was significantly lower than baseline (F=10.032, P=0.008); there was no significant difference in eGFR mean and baseline (F=2.046, P=0.134). After 12 weeks of treatment, the overall remission rate of 9 IgAN patients was 66.67%. All patients were well tolerated by telitacicept, and one patient with adverse event occurred (skin infection).

Conclusion In 9 IgAN patients treated with telitacicept, urinary protein is decreased significantly and renal function is remained stable with good safety.