Targeting Cardiometabolic Burden in PsA, With Philip Mease, MD

Growing attention has turned toward the role of obesity, metabolic dysfunction, and cardiovascular risk in shaping psoriatic arthritis (PsA) outcomes. Rheumatologists increasingly recognize that excess adiposity not only elevates systemic inflammation but also reduces the likelihood of achieving key treatment Recent clinical interest has expanded to include GLP-1 receptor agonists and dual GLP-1/GIP agonists, further expanding the investigative frontiers for the in-demand drugs.

Emerging evidence suggests that GLP-1–based therapies may influence immune cell activity, reduce adipose-derived cytokines, and mitigate obesity-driven inflammatory load. Several studies presented at the 

American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Convergence 2025

, held October 24–29 in Chicago, Illinois, explore GLP-1s in a variety of rheumatological diseases and others examine more closely cardiometabolic outcomes 

Philip Mease, MD, Clinical Professor at the University of Washington and Director of Rheumatology Research at the Swedish Medical Center in Seattle, presented a new analysis of apremilast, which seemed to exert beneficial cardiometabolic effects. In the phase 4 FOREMOST trial, patients with early oligoarticular PsA randomized to APR experienced greater reductions in BMI (–1.77% vs 0.21%) and weight (–1.71% vs 0.25%) at Week 16 compared with placebo. These improvements were maintained through 48 weeks, with over 50% of treated patients achieving ≥1% weight loss and approximately 20% achieving ≥5% reductions. Patients also demonstrated a shift toward lower-risk BMI and HbA1c categories over 48 weeks, with the largest improvements occurring in those who began the study with obesity or diabetes.

Another abstract reported that PsA patients receiving GLP-1 receptor agonists exhibited lower risk of major adverse cardiac events and reduced mortality compared with PsA patients not using GLP-1 RAs, indicating potential cardioprotective and anti-inflammatory advantages. These findings support the concept that GLP-1 RAs may serve as a meaningful adjunct for PsA patients who have cardiometabolic comorbidities such as obesity or type 2 diabetes, although additional mechanistic and long-term studies are needed.

"One other area that rheumatologists are becoming increasingly sensitive about is the comorbidities of obesity and cardiovascular issues. This is being highlighted by studies which are showing us that if a patient is obese, their disease activity is greater and they are less likely to achieve targets like remission [and] low disease activity if they are obese," Mease said.

Mease's disclosures include AbbVie, ACELYRIN, Amgen, Bristol Myers Squibb, Century Therapeutics, Cullinan Biotech, Eli Lilly, Genascence, GRAPPA, Immagene, Johnson & Johnson, MoonLake Immunotherapeutics, Novartis, OMERACT, Pfizer, SPARTAN, Takeda, and UCB Pharma.

Mease P, Cantero AG, Soung J, et al. Effects of Apremilast on Body Mass Index, Weight, and HbA1c as Cardiometabolic Outcomes in Patients With Early Oligoarticular Psoriatic Arthritis in the FOREMOST Study. Presented at: ACR Convergence 2025; October 24-29; Chicago, Illinois. Abstract #0581

Tsibadze N, Tskhakaia I, Tan I. Mortality and Major Adverse Cardiac Events (MACE) with GLP-1 Receptor Agonists in Psoriatic Arthritis. Presented at: ACR Convergence 2025; October 24-29; Chicago, Illinois. Abstract #0849

Videos

Mease discussed the latest updates on apremilast and growing attention to cardiometabolic outcomes at ACR Convergence 2025.

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Deucravacitinib, Zasocitinib Validate TYK2 Inhibition in PsA, With Philip Mease, MD

Deucravacitinib has continued to demonstrate efficacy across characteristics of people with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) ahead of its March 6, 2026 Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA).

Efficacy and safety data for up to 52 weeks from the phase 3 POETYK PsA-1 (NCT04908202) trial were presented at the 

, held October 24–29 in Chicago, Illinois, by Philip Mease, MD, Clinical Professor at the University of Washington and Director of Rheumatology Research at the Swedish Medical Center in Seattle.

In POETYK PsA-1, 670 biologic-naïve patients with active PsA were randomized to deucravacitinib 6 mg daily or placebo for 16 weeks, after which all placebo patients switched to active therapy. The study met its primary endpoint with highly significant ACR20 improvements at Week 16 (

 <.0001), and responses continued to deepen through Week 52. The detailed efficacy table shows that at Week 16, PASI75 responses reached 51.9% with deucravacitinib vs 7.1% with placebo (95% CI 43.9–59.8 vs 3.7–12.0). MDA response rates were 19.0% vs 10.2%. DAS28-CRP improved with an adjusted mean change of –1.33 vs –0.83. Patient-reported outcomes meaningfully favored deucravacitinib, including HAQ-DI (–0.39 vs –0.22), SF-36 PCS (+6.05 vs +3.71), and FACIT-Fatigue (+4.6 vs +2.0). Extra-articular manifestations also improved, with pooled LEI enthesitis resolution of 50.3% vs 45.1% at Week 16.

By Week 52, patients who switched from placebo achieved comparable outcomes, including PASI75 ~51.8% after switching and 66.0% in continuously treated patients. Radiographic non-progression remained high (82.0% after switching; 73.3% continuous). Safety remained favorable without new MACE, VTE, or opportunistic infection signals.

during the conference to discuss updated results from the phase 3 POETYK PsA-1 trial. He highlighted how these data, along with emerging TYK2 candidates such as zasocitinib, are shaping the future therapeutic landscape.

He touched on emerging phase 2b data for zasocitinib (TAK-279), which demonstrated robust PASI75 responses across patient subgroups, including rates up to 78–93% in certain baseline strata, supporting the growing momentum behind next-generation TYK2 inhibitors.

"It's a good time for us in psoriatic practice, because of the availability of medicines with different mechanisms of action and good quality results to treat our patients," Mease said.

van der Heijde D, Mease P, Paul C, et al. Efficacy and Safety of Deucravacitinib up to Week 52: A Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Phase 3 Study in Patients With Active Psoriatic Arthritis Who Are Naive to Biologic Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs. Presented at: ACR Convergence 2025; October 24-29; Chicago, Illinois. Abstract #LB20

Johnson V. TYK2 Inhibitor Deucravacitinib up for FDA Review for Psoriatic Arthritis. Article. HCPLive. July 21, 2025. https://www.hcplive.com/view/tyk2-inhibitor-deucravacitinib-up-for-fda-review-for-psoriatic-arthritis

Elbuluk N, Gooderham MJ, Blau J, et al. Zasocitinib (TAK-279), an Investigational, Oral, Allosteric, Selective TYK2 Inhibitor, in Moderate-to-Severe Plaque Psoriasis: Efficacy Analysis by Baseline Characteristics from a Randomized Phase 2b Trial. Presented at: ACR Convergence 2025; October 24-29; Chicago, Illinois. Abstract #1155


Mease discussed the latest updates on deucravacitinib and zasocitinib at ACR Convergence 2025.

Yuichi Tamura, MD, PhD, is an associate professor of cardiology at the International University of Health and Welfare School of Medicine.

Yuichi Tamura, MD, PhD | Image Credit: LinkedIn

Satralizumab, an investigational anti-interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor antibody, improved pulmonary vascular resistance in patients with 

 at 24 weeks during the SATISFY-JP trial.

American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2025

 in New Orleans, Louisiana, by Yuichi Tamura, MD, PhD, associate professor of cardiology at the International University of Health and Welfare School of Medicine, these trial results highlight the validity of this novel precision medicine strategy in addressing another specific subset of patients with PAH.

SATISFY-JP was a multicenter, single-arm, open-label phase 2 study including patients with a confirmed diagnosis of Group 1 PAH classified as WHO Functional Class I, II, or III, an immune-responsive phenotype, treatment with 1-3 PAH drugs on a stable dose for ≥90 days before enrollment, and hemodynamic parameters with mean pulmonary arterial pressure ≥25 mmHg and a PVR >5 Wood units at rest in the 30 days prior to inclusion.

A total of 20 patients with high-sensitivity IL-6 were included in the study, with a baseline age of 59.3 years and a distribution by WHO class of 5 patients in class II and 15 in class III. Patients were administered satralizumab 120 mg subcutaneously at weeks 0, 2, 4, and every 4 weeks thereafter. The primary endpoint of percent change in PVR was measured in 17 patients, showing a 17.4% reduction in PVR from baseline to week 24.

For further insight into these data, the editorial team at 

 sat down for a discussion with Tamura in the following Q&A:

: During the trial, a 17.4% reduction in PVR was observed. In the context of PAH, how clinically meaningful is this magnitude of change—particularly compared with what we typically see with established vasodilator therapies?

: Yeah, all the patients had already received vasodilator therapy, at least one pill, but most of the patients, around the 80% of the patients has already double or triple combination therapy, and this is a top-up therapy for normal therapies. So this is an additional therapy for the classical vasodilator therapy, and we obtained more improvement from these therapies.

: Given that most PAH patients are already on multiple vasodilators, how do you envision anti-IL-6 therapy being integrated—additively, sequentially, or in a maintenance phase?

: For patients in this trial, prior therapy for the immunomodulation failed because some patients are responders and some aren’t. So, before the clinical trial, we tested the registry data, including serum cytokine levels, and we identified immunomodulation responsive cohorts with an AI based classification. In our study, our innovative point is that we only focused on patients with a higher IL-6 level.

: IL-6 is just one cytokine implicated in PAH. Does this trial open the door for targeting other immune mediators in specific phenotypes?

: That’s a very good point. Because PAH patients are very heterogeneous, some patients have very high levels of IL-6 and IL-6 neighborhood cytokines. However. there are another kinds of cytokines which have already been identified, like an iron beta or other kind of cytokines. So the phenotype is already defined in each case. Some patients might derive benefit from an IL-6 blockage, and another patient may benefit with another immunomodulation or another cytokine based therapy.

:IL-6 blockade carries potential immunologic risks. What safety signals should clinicians be most attentive to if this therapy becomes more widely available for PAH?

:As for our studies, we identified around 40% of the PAH patient have a higher IL-6 level, which is associated with concomitant cytokines. It is very good point to make regarding previous therapy like in our trials. It's very important to identify, prior to a clinical trial, what kinds of cytokines or chemokines may appear.

Tamura Y, Takumi I, Kohtaro A, et al. SATISFY-JP Trial: Satralizumab, an Anti-Interleukin-6 Receptor Antibody, for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension with an Activated Immune-Responsive Phenotype: Primary Results from the Phase II Trial. Presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2025. New Orleans, Louisiana. November 8-10, 2025.

Tamura Y, Takeyasu R, Takata T, et al. SATISFY-JP, a phase II multicenter open-label study on Satralizumab, an anti-IL-6 receptor antibody, use for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension in patients with an immune-responsive-phenotype: Study protocol. Pulm Circ. 2023;13(2):e12251. Published 2023 Jun 19. 

Articles

Satralizumab, an investigational anti-IL-6 receptor antibody, demonstrated a 17.4% reduction in pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) during the SATISFY-JP trial. This phase 2 study involved patients with an immune-responsive phenotype already on stable PAH therapy. The trial suggests that targeting IL-6 could be a viable adjunctive treatment strategy for PAH, especially in patients with elevated IL-6 levels. However, clinicians should be cautious of potential immunologic risks associated with IL-6 blockade in this patient population.

Tamura discusses the positive results of the phase 2 trial and its implications for the treatment of a specific subset of patients with high-sensitivity IL-6 PAH.

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SATISFY-JP: Satralizumab Improves PVR in Patients With PAH, With Yuichi Tamura, MD, PhD

Tim Smith joined the MJH Life Sciences team as an assistant editor for HCPLive in August 2022. He graduated from UC Berkeley with a degree in political science, working in multimedia journalism as a staff writer prior to joining MJH. In his spare time, he enjoys reading, watching TV, listening to podcasts, and rock climbing. You can contact him at 

 using nemolizumab 30 mg every 4 weeks (Q4W) along with a background of topical corticosteroids (TCS) of low/medium potency with/without topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCI) improves key signs and symptoms, recent data suggest.

These data were highlighted in a poster titled ‘Long-term efficacy and safety of nemolizumab in adolescents with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis: Post hoc analyses from ARCADIA LTE 1-year cut-off' (NCT03989206). This poster, presented during the 

2025 Fall Clinical Dermatology Conference

 in Las Vegas, was authored by such investigators as Adam Reich, MD, PhD, a full-time professor at the Department of Dermatology, University of Rzeszów, Poland.

Nemolizumab is an antibody designed to block the interleukin (IL)-31 receptor α pathway in patients with inflammatory skin disease, and the drug has emerged in recent years as a targeted option for the management of the intense pruritus and inflammatory burdens connected with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis.

In previous phase 3 research highlighting nemolizumab's impact on adolescent patients, investigators identified meaningful benefits through the 16-week mark, some of which included skin lesion reductions, reductions in itch, and markedly improved sleep quality. However, Reich et al determined, given the chronic and relapsing nature of this skin disease, an extended follow-up assessment would be necessary to determine whether these gains persist and to further examine long-term safety signals.

In their present analysis, Reich and colleagues summarized the outcomes of nemolizumab use among adolescent participants on the medication for up to 56 weeks during the long-term extension program. A variety of adolescent groups were recruited for this ongoing, open-label, multicenter extension study:

Subjects previously treated with nemolizumab in ARCADIA 1 or 2 or other development programs (nemolizumab-previously experienced, NPE);

Patients without prior exposure to the drug (nemolizumab-naïve, NN);

A cohort of 37 newly-recruited adolescents.

Those involved in Reich and coauthors' analysis were 12–17 years old and treated with nemolizumab 30 mg via subcutaneous injection on an every-4-week basis. Background therapy via low- or medium-potency topical corticosteroids was permitted, with optional use of topical calcineurin inhibitors as clinically appropriate.

Assessments by the investigators included the proportion of adolescent subjects attaining an Investigator’s Global Assessment (IGA) score of 0 or 1 (clear or almost clear). Additionally, Reich and colleagues looked at the percentage of these individuals attaining ≥75% or ≥90% improvement from the point of baseline on their Eczema Area and Severity Index scores (EASI-75 and EASI-90).

Patient-reported symptoms were tracked by the investigative team via the SCORAD visual analogue scales (VAS) for itch and loss of sleep. The team focused on ≥4-point improvement thresholds and the proportion of individuals attaining VAS scores <2. They also used the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) to assess any broader quality-of-life shifts among patients. All of the investigators' results were presented via observed cases without imputation.

At the 56-week interim cut-off point, Reich et al included 248 adolescent patients in the analysis (141 NPE and 107 NN). These participants had a mean age of 15 years. After 56 weeks of continuous nemolizumab treatment, the investigative team noted substantial clinical improvements documented in both cohorts. However, responses were generally shown to be higher among participants previously exposed to nemolizumab.

IGA scores of 0/1 were shown by the team to have been attained in 72% of participants in the NPE group and 53% of those in the NN group. Additionally, the investigators noted rates of EASI-75 were high in both cohorts, with 86% in NPE and 80% in NN, and EASI-90 responses were attained by 72% and 57%, respectively.

In terms of outcomes related to itch, similarly robust gains were observed. A ≥4-point drop in SCORAD VAS pruritus was reported among 79% of NPE and 59% of NN participants. Reich and coauthors also found achievement of VAS itch <2 was reached by 64% and 38% of these groups, respectively. Sleep loss improvements were found to have paralleled reductions in patients' levels of itch, with clinically meaningful responses in 85% of the NPE arm and 41% of the NN arm.

Reich and colleagues found improvements in patients' DLQI scores in more than 87% of the adolescents treated with nemolizumab over the treatment period, suggesting broad benefits on daily functioning as well as well-being. In their evaluation of the most common adverse events (≥5% incidence), the investigative team identified disease exacerbations, COVID-19 infections, and nasopharyngitis. They also identified most treatment-emergent events as mild to moderate, highlighting the minimal likelihood of serious events.

Overall, Reich and colleagues found nemolizumab 30 mg Q4W with TCS/TCI improved patients' key signs and symptoms of atopic dermatitis, including pruritus, skin lesions, and sleep disturbance, by the Week 56 follow-up.

For any additional information highlighting related topics in dermatology, view our 

Reich A, Tauber M, Piketty C, et al. Long-term efficacy and safety of nemolizumab in adolescents with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis: Post hoc analyses from ARCADIA LTE 1-year cut-off. Poster presented at the 2025 Fall Clinical Dermatology Conference, Las Vegas, Nevada, Oct 23-26, 2025.

Augustin M, Tauber M, Piketty C, et al. Safety and efficacy of nemolizumab for atopic dermatitis up to 2 years in open-label extension study. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2025 Oct 13. doi: 10.1111/jdv.70080. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 41081535.

Nemolizumab, an IL-31 receptor α pathway blocker, shows promise in treating adolescents with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis when combined with topical corticosteroids and calcineurin inhibitors. A study involving 248 adolescents demonstrated significant improvements in skin lesions, pruritus, and sleep quality over 56 weeks. The study highlighted higher response rates in those previously exposed to nemolizumab. Improvements in quality of life were noted, with most adverse events being mild to moderate. These findings suggest nemolizumab's potential as a long-term treatment option for atopic dermatitis in adolescents.

This post-hoc analysis highlights nemolizumab’s long-term efficacy and safety in adolescents with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis.

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ARCADIA LTE: Long-term Nemolizumab Effective in Adolescents with Atopic Dermatitis

Patrick Campbell is the editorial director of HCPLive. Patrick has spent years spearheading coverage surrounding cardiometabolic health and rheumatic disease for MJH Life Sciences. Before joining MJH Life Sciences in 2019, he spent time as a beat reporter and/or multimedia specialist with the Pocono Record, Star News Group, and NJ Advance Media. He is the executive producer for multiple HCPLive podcasts, including Diabetes Dialogue, Don't Miss a Beat, Kidney Compass, Medical Ethics Unpacked, The Medical Sisterhood, and Skin of Color Savvy. 


Follow him on Twitter @RealPatCampbell or reach him via email at PCampbell@mjhlifesciences.com.

At a moment when nephrology is experiencing one of its most rapid periods of therapeutic evolution, 

American Society of Nephrology (ASN) Kidney Week 2025 

arrived in Houston, Texas as both an opportunity for reflection of extraordinary progress and a preview of what may soon redefine care further. The past year alone has seen long-awaited FDA approvals in 

, alongside expanding evidence for upstream immune-targeted strategies that are reshaping expectations for disease modification. With an anticipated regulatory decision in FSGS on the horizon in early 2026, the field is entering a new era marked by unprecedented mechanistic diversity and clinical ambition.

This year’s meeting spotlighted this momentum, highlighting advances across glomerular disease, transplant immunology, inherited kidney disorders, and cardiorenal medicine. From deeper biologic insights to maturing late-stage pipelines, Kidney Week 2025 showcased a discipline moving beyond supportive care frameworks and toward targeted interventions capable of altering long-term kidney trajectories. In this recap, we highlight 8 trial updates to know from the meeting.

Kidney Week 2025 Recap: 8 Trial Updates to Know in Nephrology

ORIGIN 3 Sets the Stage for Atacicept in IgA Nephropathy

Interim 36-week data from the phase 3 ORIGIN 3 trial show atacicept, a dual BAFF/APRIL inhibitor, reduced UPCR by 45.7% from baseline, yielding a 41.8-point placebo-adjusted advantage in adults with IgAN.

Secondary outcomes demonstrated strong biologic and clinical effects, including a 68.3% drop in Gd-IgA1, 81.0% hematuria resolution, and a 47.3% reduction in UACR by week 36. Safety data revealed greater rates of injection-site reactions but fewer serious adverse events than placebo (0.5% vs 5.1%) and no deaths.

Kidney Compass: Atacicept and ORIGIN 3 at Kidney Week 2025, with Richard Lafayette, MD

Kidney Compass Clip of Richard Lafayette, MD, discussing Atacicept Results at Kidney Week 2025

Kidney Compass: Atacicept Results Clip

FINE-ONE: Finerenone Proves Benefit in Type 1 Diabetes and CKD

Finerenone produced a 25% relative reduction in UACR over 6 months versus placebo in adults with type 1 diabetes and chronic kidney disease, meeting the primary endpoint of the FINE-ONE trial (LSGM ratio 0.75; 95% CI, 0.65 to 0.87; 

Of note, 68.1% of finerenone-treated patients achieved a ≥30% UACR reduction compared with 46.6% on placebo, aligning with ADA thresholds linked to slower kidney disease progression. The safety profile, including hyperkalemia incidence, was consistent with prior finerenone programs, with no new safety signals identified across 242 participants.

Diabetes Dialogue: FINE-ONE and Finerenone in Type 1 Diabetes at Kidney Week 2025

Diabetes Dialogue FINE-ONE Recap Clip

PISCES: Fish Oil Slashes Cardiovascular Event Risk in Maintenance Dialysis

In the phase 3 PISCES trial, 4 grams of n−3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) (1.6 grams EPA, 0.8 grams DHA) daily in adults on maintenance hemodialysis reduced the rate of serious cardiovascular events to 0.31 vs 0.61 per 1000 patient-days compared with placebo (Hazard Ratio [HR], 0.57, 95% CI 0.47–0.70; P < .001). Benefits were consistent across cardiac death (HR, 0.55), MI (HR, 0.56), stroke (HR, 0.37), peripheral vascular disease requiring amputation (HR, 0.57), and first CV event or all-cause death (HR, 0.73), with similar adverse-event rates between groups. Effects were observed in both patients with and without prior cardiovascular events, and no major safety signals emerged in the 1228-person cohort.

Setanaxib Clears Hurdle in Phase 2 Alport Syndrome Trial

In this 24-week phase 2a trial of 20 patients with genetically confirmed Alport syndrome, setanaxib was safe and well tolerated, with adverse-event rates similar to placebo and a single unrelated serious adverse event. Setanaxib produced a 15% mean reduction in UPCR versus placebo, with 15.4% of patients achieving ≥25% reduction and 38.5% achieving ≥10% reduction despite already optimized RAASi and SGLT2 inhibitor therapy. Notably, a 27% mean UPCR reduction persisted 4 weeks after treatment discontinuation, suggesting sustained pharmacodynamic activity.

Kidney Compass: Setanaxib, Alport Syndrome, and RaDaR Updates at Kidney Week 2025

Kidney Compass clip of Prof. Danny Gale discussing phase 2 data on setanaxib in Alport Syndrome

Kidney Compass Phase 2 Alport Syndrome Clip

MIL62 Increased Remission and Reduced Relapse in Membranous Nephropathy

MIL62, a glycoengineered type II anti-CD20 antibody, achieved greater complete remission rates than cyclosporine A in a 153-patient, 2-year randomized phase 3 trial of biopsy-proven primary membranous nephropathy (MN), with 49.4% vs 3.9% remission at week 76 (

 < .0001). MIL62 also produced faster and deeper disease control, including 87.5% vs 10.5% immunologic remission and a median time to complete remission of 14.1 months, which was never reached in the cyclosporine arm.

Risks of treatment failure and relapse were significantly reduced (HR, 0.04 and 0.07, respectively), alongside improvements in eGFR and quality-of-life measures. Safety was comparable between groups with no new signals, supporting MIL62 as a strong therapeutic option for primary MN.

Povetacicept Data Validate APRIL/BAFF Inhibition in IgAN and pMN

In the phase 1/2 RUBY-3 trial, povetacicept, a dual BAFF/APRIL inhibitor, produced substantial 48-week proteinuria reductions in both IgAN and primary MN, including a 64% mean UPCR reduction in IgAN (with 65% achieving <0.5 g/g and 77% declines in Gd-IgA1) and an 82% UPCR reduction with 100% immunologic remission in pMN.

Hematuria resolved in 90% of IgAN patients, over half achieved clinical remission, and kidney function remained stable across cohorts. Reductions in pathogenic biomarkers (Gd-IgA1 and anti-PLA2R) were early, deep, and sustained, supporting a potential disease-modifying effect through upstream interruption of B-cell biology. Safety data suggested povetacicept was generally well tolerated, with monitored IgG reductions but no serious infections or evidence of clinically meaningful immunosuppression.

BESTOW: Tegoprubart Showcases Safer Prevention of Kidney Transplant Rejection Over Tacrolimus

In the phase 2 BESTOW trial of 126 kidney transplant recipients, tegoprubart achieved eGFR comparable to tacrolimus at 12 months (69 vs 66 mL/min/1.73 m²), with several subgroups, including living-related and high-KDPI donor recipients, showing numerically greater eGFR on tegoprubart.

The composite efficacy failure rate (death, graft loss, BPAR) was 22% with tegoprubart vs 17% with tacrolimus, supporting noninferiority. Tegoprubart demonstrated a more favorable safety profile, with markedly lower rates of new-onset diabetes (1 in 47 vs 1 in 6), tremor (1.6% vs 25%), delayed graft function (14.3% vs 25.0%), and fewer severe infections such as sepsis/bacteremia (4.8% vs 17.2%).

Innovation in Transplant Immunosuppression With Tegoprubart, With John Gill, MD

John Gill, MD, discusses tegoprubart results in kidney transplantation from Kidney Week 2025

John Gill, MD, on tegoprubart results in kidney transplantation

Telitacicept Achieves Primary Endpoint in IgA Nephropathy Phase 3 Study

In a 39-week randomized, double-blind trial, telitacicept, a BLyS/APRIL-targeting fusion protein, reduced 24-hour UPCR by 58.9% versus 8.8% with placebo (

 <.0001), with sustained 55% reductions at week 39. Clinically meaningful proteinuria thresholds were achieved far more frequently with telitacicept, including UPCR <0.8 g/g in 61% vs 19.5%, <0.5 g/g in 42.1% vs 7.5%, and <0.3 g/g in 24.5% vs 0.6% of patients. Kidney function remained stable, with mean eGFR essentially unchanged (−0.010 vs −0.77 mL/min/1.73 m²) and a lower risk of ≥30% eGFR decline in the telitacicept arm.

Kidney Compass: Phase 3 Data on Telitacicept in IgA Nephropathy at ASN Kidney Week 2025

Kidney Compass clip discussing Telitacicept eGFR Data at Kidney Week 2025

Kidney Compass: Telitacicept eGFR Data at Kidney Week 2025

Novartis. Novartis receives FDA accelerated approval for Vanrafia® (atrasentan), the first and only selective endothelin A receptor antagonist for proteinuria reduction in primary IgA nephropathy (IgAN). Novartis United States of America. Published April 2, 2025. Accessed November 22, 2025. 

https://www.novartis.com/us-en/news/media-releases/novartis-receives-fda-accelerated-approval-vanrafia-atrasentan-first-and-only-selective-endothelin-receptor-antagonist-proteinuria-reduction-primary-iga-nephropathy-igan

Novartis. Novartis receives third FDA approval for oral Fabhalta® (iptacopan) – the first and only treatment approved in C3 glomerulopathy (C3G). Novartis. Published March 21, 2025. Accessed November 22, 2025. 

https://www.novartis.com/news/media-releases/novartis-receives-third-fda-approval-oral-fabhalta-iptacopan-first-and-only-treatment-approved-c3-glomerulopathy-c3g

Apellis Pharmaceuticals. FDA Approves Apellis’ EMPAVELI® (pegcetacoplan) as the First C3G and Primary IC-MPGN Treatment for Patients 12 and Older | Apellis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Apellis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Published July 28, 2025. Accessed November 22, 2025. 

https://investors.apellis.com/news-releases/news-release-details/fda-approves-apellis-empavelir-pegcetacoplan-first-c3g-and

Vera Therapeutics. Vera Therapeutics Announces Positive ORIGIN Phase 3 Data for Atacicept in IgA Nephropathy Presented at ASN Kidney Week 2025 and Published in the New England Journal of Medicine | Vera Therapeutics. Vera Therapeutics. Published November 6, 2025. Accessed November 22, 2025. 

https://ir.veratx.com/news-releases/news-release-details/vera-therapeutics-announces-positive-origin-phase-3-data

Bayer. Finerenone showed statistically significant reduction of UACR in adults with chronic kidney disease associated with type 1 diabetes. Finerenone showed statistically significant reduction of UACR in adults with chronic kidney disease associated with type 1 diabetes. Published November 6, 2025. Accessed November 22, 2025. 

https://www.bayer.com/media/en-us/finerenone-showed-statistically-significant-reduction-of-uacr-in-adults-with-chronic-kidney-disease-associated-with-type-1-diabetes/

Lok CE, Farkouh M, Hemmelgarn BR, et al. Fish-Oil Supplementation and Cardiovascular Events in Patients Receiving Hemodialysis. 

. Published online November 7, 2025. doi:

Safety and Preliminary Efficacy Findings from a Phase 2A Randomized, Double- Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial of Setanaxib in Patients with Alport Syndrome. 

Presented at the American Society of Nephrology (ASN) Kidney Week. Houston, Texas. November 05-09, 2025.

Cui Z, Wei M, Li P, et al. Efficacy and Safety of MIL62, a Glycoengineered Type II Anti-CD20 Antibody, in Primary Membranous Nephropathy: A Phase 3, Randomized, Controlled Trial. October 2025 - Volume 36 - Issue 10S: Journal of the American Society of Nephrology. Published online October 2025. Accessed November 18, 2025. 

https://journals.lww.com/jasn/fulltext/2025/10001/efficacy_and_safety_of_mil62

Efficacy and Safety of Povetacicept in Patients with IgAN and Primary Membranous Nephropathy (pMN) at 48 Weeks of Treatment: The RUBY-3 Study

. the American Society of Nephrology (ASN) Kidney Week. Houston, Texas. November 05-09, 2025.

Eledon Pharmaceuticals. Eledon Presents Phase 2 BESTOW Trial Results for Tegoprubart for the Prevention of Rejection in Kidney Transplantation at the American Society of Nephrology’s Kidney Week 2025 Annual Meeting | Eledon Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Eledon Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Published November 6, 2025. Accessed November 22, 2025. 

https://ir.eledon.com/news-releases/news-release-details/eledon-presents-phase-2-bestow-trial-results-tegoprubart

Vor Bio. Telitacicept Achieved Primary Endpoint of Reducing Proteinuria in Stage A of a Phase 3 Clinical Study for IgA Nephropathy in China | Vor Bio. Vor Bio. Published November 8, 2025. Accessed November 22, 2025. 

https://ir.vorbio.com/news-releases/news-release-details/telitacicept-achieved-primary-endpoint-reducing-proteinuria

Nephrology is undergoing a transformative period with significant therapeutic advancements, as highlighted at the ASN Kidney Week 2025 in Houston. Recent FDA approvals in IgA nephropathy and C3 glomerulopathy, along with emerging immune-targeted strategies, are reshaping disease management. The meeting showcased progress in glomerular disease, transplant immunology, inherited kidney disorders, and cardiorenal medicine, emphasizing a shift from supportive care to targeted interventions. Key trial updates included promising results for atacicept, finerenone, fish oil, setanaxib, MIL62, povetacicept, tegoprubart, and telitacicept, indicating a new era of mechanistic diversity and clinical ambition.

A curated recap of 8 impactful trial updates from the American Society of Nephrology Kidney Week 2025.

IgA Nephropathy

The HCPLive Berger disease page is a resource for medical news and expert insights on IgA nephropathy. This page features expert-led coverage, articles, videos and research on the therapies and development of treatments in Berger disease, and more.

C3 Glomerulopathy

The HCPLive C3 glomerulopathy page is a resource for medical news and expert insights on C3G. This page features expert-led coverage, articles, videos and research on the therapies and development of treatments in C3G, and more.

Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis

The HCPLive focal segmental glomerulosclerosis page is a resource for medical news and expert insights on FSGS. This page features expert-led coverage, articles, videos and research on the therapies and development of treatments in FSGS, and more. 

Chronic Kidney Disease

Nephrology

The HCPLive nephrology page is a resource for medical news and expert insights on kidney disease. This page features expert-led coverage, articles, videos and research on the therapies and development of treatments in nephrology, and more.

Stay updated with the latest healthcare breakthroughs, including FDA approvals and new Crohn's disease guidelines, in this week's essential news roundup.

Gastroenterology

Gastroenterology condition center page is a comprehensive resource for clinical news and insights on digestive and GI conditions. This page consists of interviews, articles, podcasts, and videos on the research, treatment and development of therapies for 

, IBS and IBD, Crohn's disease, and more.

Allergy

Allergy condition center page is a comprehensive resource for clinical news and insights on allergic and inflammatory diseases. This page consists of interviews, articles, podcasts, and videos on the research, treatment and development of therapies for food and seasonal allergies, as well as allergic asthma and related conditions.

The HCPFive: Top News for Healthcare Providers from the Week of 11/16

Chelsie Derman is an associate editor for 

who covers psychiatry, sleep medicine, geriatrics, migraine, and allergy. She joined MJH Life Sciences in September 2023 after graduating from The College of New Jersey with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and professional writing. In her free time, she enjoys creative writing and reading.

New findings reveal the Viaskin Peanut Patch effectively builds peanut tolerance in over 70% of toddlers, offering hope for allergy management.

Over 70% of Toddlers Tolerate 3 to 4 Peanut Kernels 3 Years After Peanut Patch

Alex Hillenbrand is an assistant editor for 

. She earned her BA in English from Lafayette College in 2023 and went on to write for pop culture, entertainment, and sports media outlets before joining MJH Life Sciences in 2025. In her free time, Alex enjoys cooking, going on walks, and meeting new people. Contact her at mjhlifesciences.com.

Phase 3 trial shows MIL62 accelerates remission, reduces relapse risk, and improves kidney function compared with cyclosporine A in adults with primary MN.


MIL62 Shows Increased Remission and Reduced Relapse Versus Cyclosporine A in MN

Podcasts

This episode covers the upcoming release of Dexcom's G7 15-day patch and major price cuts for semaglutide.

Endocrinology

The HCPLive endocrinology page is a comprehensive resource for clinical news and insights on endocrine system conditions. This page consists of interviews, articles, podcasts, and videos on the research, treatment and development of therapies for diabetes, hormonal disease, and more.

Type 2 Diabetes

podcasts page features a feed of medical news and interview podcast series, including DocTalk, Lungcast, Derm Discussions, and Heart Trials.

Diabetes Dialogue

Diabetes Dialogue: Technology, Therapeutics, & Real-World Perspectives is a monthly podcast hosted by Diana Isaacs, PharmD, and Natalie Bellini, DNP, aimed at providing a regular roundup of the latest clinically applicable insights across diabetes and metabolic diseases, with a focus on leveraging technology to improve care.

Diabetes Dialogue: Updates on Dexcom G7 and Semaglutide Pricing

Non-RASi antihypertensive use before pregnancy in women with IgAN increased the risk of severe HDP and preterm delivery.


Women's Health

On the HCPLive women's health page, resources on the topics of medical news and expert insight into obstetrics, gynecology, and women's related health can be found. Content includes articles, interviews, videos, podcasts, and breaking news on women's health, and more.

Pre-Conception Hypertension Linked to Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes in IgA Nephropathy

Following the Skin of Color Society's (SOCS) 8th Annual Media Day, a Skin of Color Savvy podcast episode will be released highlighting the event.

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ARCADIA LTE: Long-term Nemolizumab Effective in Adolescents with Atopic Dermatitis

Kidney Week 2025 Recap: 8 Trial Updates to Know in Nephrology