Recently, Kezar Life Sciences Inc. (“Kezar”) released interim data and preliminary results from part two of the Phase 2 MISSION clinical trial. According to BioPharma Journal, the results highlight the potential benefits of KZR-616 for patients with proliferative lupus nephritis (LN).

KZR-616

To begin, it’s important to understand what KZR-616 is. According to Kezar, KZR-616:

offers a novel approach to harmonizing the immune system via selective immunoproteasome inhibition. Playing a critical role in the body’s immune system, the immunoproteasome is abundantly expressed in immune cells and acts as a master regulator of multiple cellular functions.

Within the Phase 2 MISSION trial, researchers evaluated KZR-616 for patients with lupus nephritis. They sought to understand whether KZR-616 could reduce proteinuria (excess protein in the urine), improve quality of life (QOL), and improve patient outcomes. As kidney failure is a possibility in LN, this treatment could significantly benefit patients.

During portion two of the trial, patients received 60mg KZR-616 weekly as a subcutaneous treatment over a 24-week period. Preliminary findings include significant proteinuria reductions.

Lupus Nephritis (LN)

As described above, KZR-616 is a potential therapeutic option for those with lupus nephritis (LN). Lupus nephritis is defined as kidney inflammation which occurs as a complication in people with lupus, an autoimmune disease. Lupus is most common in those of Asian or African descent. Additionally, females are significantly more affected than males. Out of those with lupus, 50% of adults and 80% of children will eventually develop LN. Doctors are not exactly sure why these people develop LN. However, a combination of genetics and environmental factors are believed to play a role.

In patients with LN, lupus autoantibodies attack the kidneys. Normally, kidneys help filter wastes, electrolytes, and extra fluid from the body, which are excreted through urine. But when autoantibodies attack the filtration areas of the kidneys, inflammation and other symptoms occur. Symptoms of LN include:

• Joint pain and swelling
• Edema in the lower extremities
• High blood pressure
• Muscle pain
• Dark, foamy urine
• Fever with no known cause
• Hematuria (blood in the urine)
• Proteinuria (excess protein in the urine)
• Red, butterfly-shaped rash on the face
• Kidney failure