Primary membranous nephropathy
Vertex is focused on discovering, developing and producing innovative medicines so people with serious diseases can lead better lives. Our scientists don’t see the impossible as an obstacle; they see it as a good place to start.
Vertex is focused on discovering, developing and producing innovative medicines so people with serious diseases can lead better lives. Our scientists don’t see the impossible as an obstacle; they see it as a good place to start.
About primary membranous nephropathy (pMN)
What is pMN? pMN is a serious, progressive, life-threatening chronic kidney disease that causes inflammation and damage to the kidneys. It is a rare glomerular disease. Patients with pMN can experience a variety of serious complications, including blood clots, infection, and heart disease. At time of diagnosis, most patients with pMN are at risk of progression to end-stage renal disease. There are no approved therapies that specifically target the underlying cause of pMN.
How is pMN diagnosed? pMN is typically diagnosed by testing the patient’s blood and urine. A kidney biopsy is usually required to confirm the diagnosis.
What is the underlying cause of disease? pMN is a form of primary glomerulonephritis, a group of kidney diseases that damage the glomeruli (the parts of the kidney that filter blood). pMN occurs when the body generates an abnormal immune response, including antibodies (autoantibodies), against proteins that are part of the kidney. Autoantibodies trigger damage and inflammation, especially within the glomeruli, impairing the kidneys’ ability to properly filter waste and fluid.
The Vertex approach
Our goal is to target the underlying cause of pMN. We are investigating povetacicept, a dual antagonist of the BAFF (B cell activating factor) and APRIL (a proliferation inducing ligand) cytokines, which play key roles in pathogenesis of multiple autoimmune diseases via their roles in the activation, differentiation and/or survival of B cells, T cells and innate immune cells. Consistent with our strategy of serial innovation, we continue to advance povetacicept in multiple B cell mediated diseases, including pMN and IgA nephropathy.
Pipeline
These programs are investigating treatments or outcomes that have not received approval from a health authority. The information presented is not intended to convey conclusions of safety or efficacy. There is no guarantee that the outcome of these studies will result in approval by a health authority.
Our studies
For more information about pMN studies in the U.S., visit our clinical trials website. For information about non-U.S. sites, visit clinicaltrials.gov.