IgA Nephropathy Treatment has entered a new era with the introduction of Nefegan, a disease-targeted therapy designed specifically for patients with IgA Nephropathy (IgAN). For individuals across Southeast Asia, this represents a significant medical milestone, as Nefegan is currently available only in Singapore (as of December 2025). This article explains IgA Nephropathy, why treatment innovation is urgently needed, and how Nefegan is changing the outlook for patients at risk of progressive kidney failure.
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Understanding IgA Nephropathy
IgA Nephropathy, also known as Berger’s disease, is a chronic autoimmune kidney disorder. It occurs when abnormal immunoglobulin A (IgA) antibodies accumulate in the glomeruli, the kidney’s filtering units. These deposits trigger inflammation, progressive scarring, and gradual loss of kidney function.
While some patients experience a slow disease course, IgA Nephropathy often leads to worsening kidney damage over time. Many individuals eventually develop chronic kidney disease, and a significant proportion progress to end-stage kidney failure, requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant. Because IgAN frequently affects younger adults, the long-term health and economic impact can be substantial.
For decades, IgA Nephropathy treatment focused mainly on supportive care, such as blood pressure control and reduction of proteinuria. However, these approaches do not directly address the underlying immune mechanism of the disease.
The Need For Targeted IgA Nephropathy Treatment
Traditional IgA Nephropathy treatment aims to slow kidney damage rather than halt the disease process. Medications such as ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers help reduce protein leakage in the urine, while general immunosuppressive therapies have been used selectively in higher-risk patients.
Despite these measures, many patients continue to lose kidney function steadily. This unmet need led to the development of targeted therapies designed specifically for IgA Nephropathy, rather than relying on broad immunosuppression. Nefegan is the first of this new generation of treatments.
What Is Nefegan?
Nefegan is a targeted-release oral medication developed specifically for IgA Nephropathy treatment. It is designed to act on the immune processes that drive IgAN, rather than suppressing the immune system throughout the entire body.
The drug delivers its active ingredient to immune tissue in the gut, where abnormal IgA production is believed to begin. By modulating this immune response at its source, Nefegan reduces the production of pathogenic IgA antibodies that eventually deposit in the kidneys.
This targeted approach allows Nefegan to address the root cause of IgA Nephropathy while limiting systemic exposure.
Effectiveness In Slowing Kidney Function Decline
Clinical studies have shown that Nefegan is effective in slowing the loss of kidney function in patients with IgA Nephropathy who are at risk of disease progression. Patients receiving Nefegan demonstrated:
- Significant reduction in proteinuria, a key marker of kidney damage
- Slower decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)
- Improved long-term kidney outcomes compared with supportive care alone
These benefits are particularly important because persistent proteinuria and declining eGFR are strong predictors of eventual kidney failure in IgA Nephropathy. By addressing these factors, Nefegan offers patients a meaningful opportunity to preserve kidney function for longer.
9-Month Initial Treatment Course
Nefegan is administered initially as a 9-month treatment course. This defined duration allows kidney specialists to monitor response closely and assess whether the treatment is achieving its intended goals. During the treatment period, patients typically undergo regular blood and urine tests to track kidney function, protein levels, and overall safety. The goal is to stabilise kidney disease and delay progression to more advanced stages.
What Are The Side Effects Of Nefegan?
As with any medication, Nefegan may cause side effects. However, due to its targeted delivery, side effects are generally less severe than those associated with systemic steroids.
Reported side effects may include:
- Mild weight gain
- Acne or skin changes
- Increased blood pressure
- Mild swelling or fluid retention
- Joint pain
Most side effects are manageable under specialist supervision and often resolve after completion of the 9-month course. A kidney doctor will carefully evaluate each patient’s medical history before initiating treatment.
Availability In Southeast Asia – Only In Singapore As Of Dec 2025
As of December 2025, Nefegan is available in Southeast Asia only in Singapore. This makes Singapore a regional centre for advanced IgA Nephropathy treatment, attracting patients who seek access to the latest kidney-specific therapies.
Availability may evolve over time, but currently, patients in neighbouring countries who are interested in Nefegan must consult kidney specialists in Singapore to determine eligibility and treatment options.
Is Nefegan Suitable For Everyone With IgA Nephropathy?
Nefegan is not intended for all IgA Nephropathy patients. It is generally prescribed for individuals who:
- Have confirmed IgA Nephropathy
- Are at higher risk of disease progression
- Continue to have significant proteinuria despite standard supportive therapy
A kidney doctor will assess disease severity, kidney function, and overall health before recommending this treatment.
Our Preferred (Kidney) Doctor For IgA Nephropathy Treatment
If you are looking for a kidney specialist in Singapore for treatment of IgA Nephropathy or kidney disease, you can consider our Preferred Doctors:
- Dr Wong Weng Kin is a highly qualified renal physician who combines deep expertise in complex kidney conditions with advanced skills in diagnostic and interventional nephrology, dialysis, and critical care. He offers holistic, personalised treatment that uses the latest research, technology, and precision medicine to protect long-term kidney health and overall well-being.
[SG] Featured Doctor- Dr Kevin Koo
Watch Interview Video: Dr Wong Weng Kin explains chronic kidney disease
Talk To A Kidney Doctor About IgA Nephropathy Treatment
If you have IgA Nephropathy and are concerned about progressive kidney damage, it is important to explore all available IgA Nephropathy treatment options. Nefegan represents a major advancement, offering targeted therapy that can slow kidney function loss and delay kidney failure.
Speak with a qualified kidney doctor to determine whether Nefegan is suitable for your condition and to discuss the potential benefits and risks. Early intervention and specialist care remain key to protecting long-term kidney health.
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This medical content has been reviewed by Dr Wong Weng Kin, a highly qualified renal physician who combines deep expertise in complex kidney conditions with advanced skills in diagnostic and interventional nephrology, dialysis, and critical care.
Learn More: The Gut-Kidney Connection: A New Frontier In Treating IgA Nephropathy
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