#Japan #Yokohama #Calliditas #TARPEYO #NefIgArd

Calliditas Therapeutics to Present Key Findings at World Congress of Nephrology

Calliditas Therapeutics AB, part of the Asahi Kasei corporation, has announced its participation in the upcoming World Congress of Nephrology (WCN) taking place from March 28 to 31, 2026, in Yokohama, Japan. The company is set to present significant new data derived from its Phase 3 NefIgArd study, which focuses on individuals suffering from primary immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN), a sparse but progressive disease affecting kidney function.

The NefIgArd Study and Its Findings

The World Congress promises to be an important platform where Calliditas will unveil numerous secondary and mechanistic analyses related to the NefIgArd study. This investigation highlights how Nefecon, the company’s key therapeutic agent, functions in a gut-targeted manner with disease-modifying effects specifically in the treatment of IgAN. The presentations will emphasize serum biomarkers linked to gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) activity, alongside the immune responses sparked by orally administered budesonide.

Evidence from the NefIgArd study strongly supports Nefecon's role in modulating the immune system, particularly within Peyer's patches—an integral part of the gut’s immune network. Given that IgAN can lead to severe progression in kidney disease due to pathological IgA1, Calliditas aims to underscore the therapeutic impact of their investigational treatment in addressing this condition.

Presentations and Symposium Details

During the WCN, seven abstracts will be presented, including three delineating secondary clinical efficacy and safety analyses alongside two focusing on mechanistic biomarker evaluations. Among the insights shared will be findings on how treatment with Nefecon influences the levels of harmful galactose-deficient IgA1 in patients, thus imparting a potential option for modifying disease progress.

Additionally, Calliditas will sponsor a scientific symposium on March 30, titled "The Evolving IgAN Treatment Paradigm: Why Target the Gut?" The symposium will feature distinguished researchers such as Dr. Yusuke Suzuki from Juntendo University, Dr. Sayna Norouzi of Loma Linda University Medical Center, and Dr. Chee Kay Cheung from the University of Leicester, who will discuss contemporary approaches toward treating this challenging condition.

Poster Presentations at the Congress

Key studies to be displayed include:

• - Impact of Nefecon Treatment: An evaluation of serum biomarkers concerning GALT function in IgAN patients, presented by Nadia Nawaz from the University of Leicester.
• - Budesonide’s Immunological Effects: Investigating how budesonide impacts immune cells within Peyer's patches, conducted by Roza Ghotbi from Calliditas.
• - Real-world Insights: Information on the initial demographics of the PERFORM registry, a newly established repository for patients undergoing treatment for IgAN in the United States.

These findings and discussions will facilitate critical knowledge exchange among kidney care professionals, enhancing the treatment landscapes for immune-mediated kidney diseases.

Conclusion

The World Congress of Nephrology serves as a premier venue for ongoing dialogue and innovation within the nephrology community, and with their notable research output, Calliditas Therapeutics is poised to contribute valuable insights that may redefine treatment strategies for IgA nephropathy. As professionals gather to share breakthroughs and advance their understanding, the work presented by Calliditas will spotlight not only their commitment to addressing unmet needs but also the evolving landscape of IgAN therapy.