Atacicept Slowed Kidney Decline in IgA Nephropathy Study
The Phase 3 ORIGIN 3 trial demonstrated significant improvements in kidney function for patients treated with atacicept.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Diabetes
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Results from the Phase 3 ORIGIN 3 study showed that atacicept significantly reduced the decline of kidney function in 428 adults with primary IgA nephropathy compared to a placebo. The drug showed a 76% reduction in the risk of composite kidney disease progression over a two-year period.
Why it matters
IgA nephropathy is a serious condition that can lead to kidney failure, and these results suggest that targeting specific cytokines could offer a new therapeutic pathway. The data highlights a potential shift in managing the disease by preserving kidney function more effectively than current standards.
In the ORIGIN 3 study, the mean eGFR change at 52 weeks was -0.1 mL/min/1.73m2 for the atacicept arm compared to -5.7 mL/min/1.73m2 for the placebo group. Through 104 weeks, the annualized eGFR slope was -0.6 mL/min/1.73m2 for atacicept versus -5.6 mL/min/1.73m2 for placebo.
The players
Vera Therapeutics
This is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing treatments for immunological and inflammatory diseases.
Food and Drug Administration
This is the federal agency responsible for regulating pharmaceuticals and medical devices to ensure public health safety in the United States.
The details
Atacicept functions by inhibiting the activity of B-cell activating factor and a proliferation-inducing ligand, which are cytokines directly implicated in the pathogenesis of IgA nephropathy. The study measured the change in estimated glomerular filtration rate to track the preservation of kidney function over the two-year trial duration.
Timeline
52 weeks marked the measurement point for mean eGFR change.
104 weeks served as the conclusion for the annualized eGFR slope and progression risk assessments.
Q4 2026 is the planned timeframe for Vera Therapeutics to submit a supplemental Biologics License Application to the FDA.
Deeper Dive
The ORIGIN 3 study provides a benchmark for evaluating new biological therapies in the treatment of primary IgA nephropathy. This study establishes a new clinical performance baseline for how cytokine-targeting therapies can preserve kidney function in IgA nephropathy patients.
These clinical findings suggest that patients with primary IgA nephropathy may soon have access to a more effective treatment that slows the progression to kidney failure. Patients should consult their nephrologists to discuss how evolving biological therapies might integrate into their long-term treatment plans.
The takeaway
The study demonstrates that targeted inhibition of specific cytokines can significantly reduce kidney function decline in IgA nephropathy patients. These results represent a promising milestone for those managing chronic kidney conditions that were previously difficult to stabilize.
What happens next
Vera Therapeutics plans to submit a supplemental Biologics License Application to the FDA in the fourth quarter of 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest research in this area on the Diabetes section page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Renal and Urology News.
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