Primary Membranous Nephropathy (pMN)
Primary membranous nephropathy (pMN) is a serious and progressive kidney disease. It is an autoantibody mediated disease, meaning it occurs when B cells in the body’s own immune system mistakenly make antibodies that attack protein found in the kidneys. These autoantibodies form immune complexes that build up in the glomeruli—the tiny filters in the kidneys – causing inflammation and kidney damage, which can ultimately lead to kidney failure.
In many patients, the immune system targets a specific protein on kidney cells called PLA2R (phospholipase A2 receptor). Doctors now often test for antibodies to PLA2R to help diagnose pMN, track treatment progress or assess prognosis.
pMN is a severe and debilitating disease. Because of the damage to the kidney, protein leaks out of the blood and builds up in the urine (termed proteinuria) and results in nephrotic syndrome, which, the case of pMN is severe and heavily symptomatic. Patients typically experience swelling (edema) in the legs, feet, or around the eyes, fatigue, discomfort, reduced mobility, weight gain, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
The management of MN is primarily focused on achieving complete remission of proteinuria as this has been definitively correlated to improved outcomes.
Unmet need
The unmet need in pMN is significant. Current treatments are limited and there are no approved therapies.
70k patients in
the US alone
Untreated, ~30% progress to
end stage renal disease within
10 years and another 30% develop
chronic kidney disease
Zero approved
therapies
How budoprutug may be able to help
B cell depleting therapies such as budoprutug are a promising potential treatment approach for pMN because they work to eliminate the problematic B cells that produce the autoantibodies that cause the disease.
Budoprutug targets CD19, which has broad expression across many types of B cells, including autoantibody producing cells.
Support and Resources
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with PMN, you are not alone. Below are nonprofit advocacy organizations and communities that offer information, support for patients and caregivers.
