According to a story from markets.businessinsider.com, the drug development company Pharming Group N.V. recently announced results from a Phase II trial testing its medication RUCONEST. This drug was tested as a treatment for contrast-induced nephropathy. The data from this trial so far looks encouraging and suggests that RUCONEST could be a potential treatment for this rare form of kidney damage.
About Contrast-Induced Nephropathy
Contrast-induced nephropathy is a type of kidney damage in which recent exposure to contrast medical imaging material is the only possible cause. The nature of this damage is still something of a mystery, and the prevalence of contrast-induced nephropathy is not accurately known. There are a number of health conditions that can increase the risk of this kidney injury, such as abnormal kidney function, old age, congestive heart failure, low blood pressure, diabetes, and cirrhosis. Those who have received kidney transplants are also at greater risk. Kidney damage is measured by the increase in serum creatinine. Generally, the kidney failure that may occur as a result of contrast-induced nephropathy is reversible in most cases. Preventative measures include adjusting the contrast dose and making sure that the patient is well-hydrated before being exposed to contrast medical imaging. To learn more about contrast-induced nephropathy, click here.
About The Study
In the study, the researchers looked at changes in the level neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) as the primary endpoint for the research. Increasing levels of NGAL indicates that acute kidney injury has occurred, so halting this rise should indicate reduced damage.
The patients in the study did not have contrast-induced nephropathy, but were about to undergo contrast imaging and had significant risk factors. One group of patients also received percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Compared to the control group, most patients appeared to benefit from treatment with RUCONEST, especially the patients that had received PCI. In a 48 hour period, this group saw their NGAL levels increase by a median of 1.8 ng/ml compared to 26.2 ng/ml in the placebo group.
Generally, the patients who required a more intensive degree of contrast medium appeared to benefit the most from RUCONEST. The drug also displayed a favorable safety profile. While more trials will be necessary, this data suggests that RUCONEST could be a useful treatment for contrast-induced nephropathy.
