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Updated: Aug 14, 2026

Dioscin Mediated IgA Nephropathy Alleviation by Inhibiting B Cell Activation In Vivo and Decreasing Galactose-Deficient IgA1 Production In Vitro
Published on: October 13, 2023
Targeted-release budesonide versus systemic corticosteroids in IgA nephropathy: a real-world comparative study
Tianjiao Cui1, Huibin Wu1, Wenjian Zhu1
1Department of Nephrology, Center of Kidney and Urology, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
Targeted-release budesonide (Nefecon) demonstrated comparable antiproteinuric efficacy to systemic corticosteroids in IgA nephropathy (IgAN) patients. Nefecon showed numerically fewer severe infections and adverse events, but longer follow-up is needed.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is a chronic kidney disease.
- Targeted-release budesonide (Nefecon) shows efficacy in IgAN.
- Real-world data comparing Nefecon to systemic corticosteroids is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the real-world effectiveness of Nefecon versus systemic corticosteroids in IgAN patients.
- To evaluate renal outcomes including eGFR, UACR, 24hUP, and URBC.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal real-world study of 82 adult IgAN patients.
- Treatment groups: Nefecon (n=32) and systemic corticosteroids (n=50).
- Outcomes assessed at baseline and 3, 6, 9 months using adjusted linear mixed-effects models.
Main Results:
- Both treatments reduced proteinuria; 24hUP showed no significant difference.
- Nefecon trended towards greater early UACR reduction and a short-term eGFR benefit at 6 months.
- Numerically fewer severe infections and steroid-related adverse events observed with Nefecon.
Conclusions:
- Nefecon offers comparable antiproteinuric efficacy to systemic corticosteroids in IgAN.
- Exploratory short-term eGFR benefit with Nefecon was not sustained.
- Nefecon may have a safer profile regarding infections and adverse events, requiring further investigation.
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