AVACOPAN: A New Adjunctive Therapy for Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody-Associated Vasculitis

Authors

Jasmine Garg, From the New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY.
William H. Frishman, Departments of Medicine and Cardiology, New York Medical College/Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, NY.Follow

Author Type(s)

Faculty

DOI

10.1097/CRD.0000000000000496

Journal Title

Cardiology in Review

First Page

3

Last Page

6

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-2023

Department

Medicine

Abstract

Avacopan is a small-molecule complement 5a receptor (CD88) antagonist recently approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration as an adjunct therapy in combination with immunosuppressants and corticosteroids for treatment of ANCA-vasculitis. The selective ability of avacopan to inhibit the C5a receptor blocks neutrophil chemoattraction, activation, and adhesion while maintaining other beneficial complement pathways. Therefore, avacopan's unique selective property provides a breakthrough treatment for ANCA- vasculitis given that current therapies of corticosteroid treatment often lead to a decreased quality of life and a possible relapse. Clinical trials prove that avacopan is an excellent adjunctive treatment option, although it is not approved for the primary treatment of ANCA-vasculitis at this time. Initial clinical trials show substantial promise for avacopan, but additional studies with a longer duration will be needed to test for its durability and safety.

Recommended Citation

Garg, J., & Frishman, W. H. (2023). AVACOPAN: A New Adjunctive Therapy for Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody-Associated Vasculitis. Cardiology in Review, 31 (1), 3-6. https://doi.org/10.1097/CRD.0000000000000496