IgA, IgA nephropathy, and IgA proteases

IgA nephropathy is a kidney disease that begins in early life and can cause progressive kidney damage. IgA are a form of antibodies that are present in healthy people but in patients with IgA nephropathy they become “sticky” and therefore deposit in the kidneys. Over time, the kidneys become inflamed and scarred leading to kidney failure in some patients.

IgA proteases are naturally occurring enzymes that degrade IgA antibodies. Research has demonstrated that IgA proteases can remove kidney IgA deposits, potentially offering a novel treatment for patients with IgA nephropathy.

IGAN Biosciences is developing IgA proteases for treatment of people with IgA nephropathy.