Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 18, 2026

Mechanism of Kemeng Fang's Inhibition of Podocyte Apoptosis in Rats with Membranous Nephropathy through the PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway
Published on: August 23, 2024
Current and Emerging Therapies for C3 Glomerulopathy and Primary (Idiopathic) Immune Complex Membranoproliferative
David Kavanagh1,2, Gema Ariceta3, Marina Vivarelli4
1Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
Insights
Targeted complement inhibitors show promise for C3 glomerulopathy (C3G) and immune complex membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (IC-MPGN). These therapies address underlying complement dysregulation, offering new hope for patients with these rare kidney diseases.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- C3 glomerulopathy (C3G) and primary immune complex membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (IC-MPGN) are rare kidney diseases driven by complement system dysregulation.
- These conditions lead to C3 deposition in glomeruli, causing kidney failure in up to 50% of patients within 10 years.
- Traditional treatments focused on supportive care and immunosuppression, lacking specific therapies for the underlying pathology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding and remaining questions regarding complement inhibitors in C3G and IC-MPGN.
- To evaluate the impact of complement inhibitors on key efficacy endpoints like proteinuria, eGFR, and kidney histology.
- To discuss controversies surrounding patient selection, treatment duration, and monitoring for complement inhibitor therapy.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent phase 3 clinical trial data for complement inhibitors (iptacopan and pegcetacoplan).
- Analysis of surrogate endpoints for treatment efficacy in C3G and IC-MPGN.
- Discussion of clinical controversies and future directions in complement inhibitor therapy.
Main Results:
- Phase 3 trials of iptacopan (factor B inhibitor) and pegcetacoplan (C3/C3b inhibitor) have demonstrated positive results in adults and adolescents with C3G or IC-MPGN.
- These targeted therapies address the underlying complement dysregulation, a significant advancement over previous treatment strategies.
- The review synthesizes data on surrogate markers of efficacy, including proteinuria, eGFR, and histological improvements.
Conclusions:
- Targeted complement inhibitors represent a significant therapeutic advance for C3G and IC-MPGN, offering improved prognosis.
- Further research and consensus are needed regarding optimal patient populations, treatment duration, and monitoring strategies.
- These innovative therapies hold promise for patients with historically poor long-term outcomes.
Abstract:
C3 glomerulopathy (C3G) and primary (idiopathic) immune complex membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (IC-MPGN) are rare kidney diseases characterized by dysregulation of the complement system and progressive deposition of C3 and its breakdown products in the glomeruli, ultimately leading to kidney failure in up to 50% of patients within 10 years. Until recently, standard approaches to treatment included supportive measures common to many kidney diseases and immunosuppression to mitigate inflammation, rather than specific therapies addressing the underlying C3 dysregulation. However, recent advances in targeted complement inhibitor therapy have been made in these diseases with positive results from phase 3 clinical trials of both the factor B inhibitor, iptacopan (in adults with native kidney C3G) and the C3/C3b inhibitor, pegcetacoplan (in adults and adolescents with native or posttransplant C3G or primary IC-MPGN). In this review, we summarize what is known and what questions still remain regarding the effect of complement inhibitors on widely accepted surrogate end points for efficacy in C3G/primary IC-MPGN (proteinuria, estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR], and kidney biopsy histology). Additional controversies, including candidate patient populations, optimal treatment duration, and how best to monitor patients on complement inhibitor therapy are also discussed, in an effort to prepare the nephrology community for innovative therapeutic options for patients whose long-term prognosis has generally been dismal.
Related Concept Videos
Chronic Kidney Disease III: Interprofessional Care
Nephrotic Syndrome III : Nursing Management
Nephrotic Syndrome II : Assessment and Medical Management
Open Angle Glaucoma: Treatment
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
Myocarditis III: Medical Management
Acute Kidney Injury IV: Diagnostic Studies and Prevention

