A pilot study to determine the dose and effectiveness of adrenocorticotrophic hormone (H.P. Acthar® Gel) in nephrotic syndrome due to idiopathic membranous nephropathy.

ABSTRACT:

Background

H.P. Acthar(®) Gel is currently the only Food and Drug Administration therapy approved for the treatment of nephrotic syndrome. Active drug ingredients include structurally related melanocortin peptides that bind to cell surface G-protein-coupled receptors known as melanocortin receptors, which are expressed in glomerular podocytes. In animal models of membranous nephropathy, stimulation has been demonstrated to reduce podocyte injury and loss. We hypothesized that H.P. Acthar(®) Gel would improve symptoms of the nephrotic syndrome in patients with idiopathic membranous nephropathy.

Methods

Twenty patients received a subcutaneous dose of 40 or 80 IU twice weekly. Changes in proteinuria, albumin, cholesterol profile, estimated glomerular filtration rate and serum a

SUBMITTER: Hladunewich MA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4106642 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature