C3 Glomerulopathy (C3G) and Immune Complex Membranoproliferative Glomerulonephritis (IC-MPGN)

Chase, living with C3G

Understanding C3G and IC-MPGN

C3G and IC-MPGN are rare kidney diseases. In both diseases, an important part of the immune system known as the complement cascade is overactive, which results in the excessive breakdown of a protein called C3.1 These C3 breakdown products become trapped in the kidney, causing inflammation and damage to the organ.1

Although IC-MPGN is a distinct disease from C3G, the underlying cause and progression of the two diseases are remarkably similar.2,3 The signs and symptoms of C3G and IC-MPGN include blood in the urine (hematuria); dark foamy urine due to the presence of protein (proteinuria); edema (swelling), often in the legs, although any part of the body can be affected; high blood pressure; and decreased urine output.4

There are no medicines currently approved for C3G or IC-MPGN, so there is a substantial need for medicines that target the cause of the diseases. C3G and IC-MPGN can lead to kidney failure within five to 10 years of diagnosis, requiring these patients to go on dialysis or get a kidney transplant.5

Pegcetacoplan (APL-2) in C3G and IC-MPGN

Pegcetacoplan is an investigational targeted C3 inhibitor designed to regulate uncontrolled or excessive complement activation. We believe it may have the potential to target the underlying disease processes of C3G and IC-MPGN.

Interested in our clinical trials in C3G?

For clinical trial information, please email us at clinicaltrials@apellis.com.

Resources

References

  1. Genetics Home Reference. Available at: https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/c3-glomerulopathy. Accessed November 27, 2019.
  2. Noris M, Donadelli R, Remuzzi G. Autoimmune abnormalities of the alternative complement pathway in membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis and C3 glomerulopathy. Pediatr Nephrol. 2019 Aug;34(8):1311-1323.
  3. Cook HT. Evolving complexity of complement-related diseases: C3 glomerulopathy and atypical haemolytic uremic syndrome. Curr Opin Nephrol Hypertens. 2018 May;27(3):165-170.
  4. Complement 3 Glomerulopathy (C3G). National Kidney Foundation Website. https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/complement-3-glomerulopathy-c3g. Accessed November 21, 2019.
  5. C3 glomerulopathy. National Institute of Health, Genetics Home Reference. https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/c3-glomerulopathy#resources. Accessed November 21, 2019.