A novel therapeutic targeting the cytokine APRIL, sibeprenlimab, has shown significant potential in reducing proteinuria and disease activity for patients with IgA nephropathy. Interim findings from the Phase III VISIONARY trial, presented at UK Kidney Week 2026, indicate substantial benefits.
In the study, adults with biopsy-confirmed IgA nephropathy received either sibeprenlimab or a placebo. At 12 months, sibeprenlimab treatment resulted in a 56.6% reduction in 24-hour urine protein creatinine ratio (uPCR-24h), compared to just 5.1% in the placebo group. Proteinuric remission rates were also significantly higher with sibeprenlimab.
Furthermore, the investigational therapy led to reductions in key disease biomarkers, including galactose-deficient IgA1 and APRIL. The proportion of patients with haematuria also declined substantially, with sibeprenlimab-treated patients more likely to achieve haematuria-negative status earlier.
Safety outcomes were comparable between groups, with no reported deaths during the interim analysis period. Longer-term effects on kidney function will be assessed as the trial continues.