Proteinuria remains high in IgA nephropathy: what to consider when assessing telitacicept in China

EastMedGo Nov 6, 2026

Before your appointment, arrange your urine protein, creatinine, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) results in rows by matching dates. In China, telitacicept injection has received conditional approval to reduce proteinuria in adults with primary IgA nephropathy who are at risk of disease progression. Two-year study results released in October 2026 suggest a slower decline in kidney function. When speaking with your doctor, check these study results separately from the specific use approved in China.

Key points

Bring your original kidney biopsy report and a list of your existing treatments.
Check quotes for the prefilled injection used for kidney disease; prices for the lyophilized formulation containing the same active ingredient cannot be substituted.

How doctors assess the risk of progression

Provide your kidney biopsy pathology report, urine protein and kidney function trends over the past year, blood pressure records, and details of the kidney-protective medicines you are taking. Clearly list the urine protein-to-creatinine ratio (UPCR) and 24-hour urine protein measurement separately, keeping the units and sample collection dates. Your doctor also needs to assess other conditions that could affect these values and whether you can tolerate your existing treatment.

How much improvement was seen in the study

A randomized phase III study compared treatments in patients with primary IgA nephropathy at higher risk of progression. At week 39, 24-hour UPCR had decreased from baseline by 58.9% in the telitacicept group and by 8.8% in the placebo group. This measures the change in urine protein within each group.

On October 22, 2026, results at week 104 from the same study were presented at the American Society of Nephrology annual meeting. A total of 318 participants were randomized. Over two years, the average annual decline in eGFR was approximately 0.6 and 5.7 mL/min/1.73 m² with telitacicept and placebo, respectively. Treatment in this study was given once weekly for the first 39 weeks, then once every two weeks through week 104. These results come from a conference abstract; the use currently listed in the approved Chinese prescribing information remains the reduction of proteinuria, and dosing must follow the Chinese prescribing information and the treating doctor's prescription.

How to coordinate care after your doctor agrees to treatment

The product specified in the prescribing information is a prefilled injection containing 80 mg/1 mL per syringe. The Chinese prescribing information recommends 240 mg per dose, equivalent to three syringes, once weekly. Ask the pharmacy to specify the number of syringes per dose and per month, along with refrigeration and transport requirements, based on the prescription. Have the nephrology team taking over your care confirm monitoring arrangements for urine protein, eGFR, blood cell counts, liver function, and infection in advance. Do not stop your background medicines on your own because of a single decrease in urine protein.

Which quote to obtain before traveling

Ask whether the hospital can supply the prefilled formulation used for the kidney disease indication, and have the medication, injection training, and laboratory test costs listed separately. If your doctor uses the prescribing information regimen described above, four consecutive weeks require 12 prefilled syringes. Ask the hospital pharmacy for the price per syringe of this formulation; the article on Sjögren's syndrome lists the lyophilized formulation, so costs for the two presentations must be calculated separately. Ask your local doctor to confirm in advance whether they can provide the next dose and follow-up tests.

Frequently asked questions

Can I book this treatment if my only finding is a positive urine protein test during a routine checkup?

First, have a kidney specialist confirm the cause of the proteinuria. A positive routine urine dipstick test cannot establish whether you have primary IgA nephropathy or assess the risk of progression.

Do I have to repeat the kidney biopsy in China?

First submit your previous pathology report and any slides or digital images your local hospital can provide. The receiving nephrology team will decide based on how certain the diagnosis is and any changes in your condition.

What does “conditional approval” mean?

Approval was based on a reduction in proteinuria. The two-year results reported later provide information about changes in kidney function, but they cannot yet predict whether an individual will avoid dialysis. Regular monitoring of urine protein and eGFR helps your doctor assess how well your treatment is working.

Does a short-term decrease in urine protein mean I will not need dialysis in the future?

A single or short-term decrease cannot predict an individual's outcome. Keep recording eGFR, urine protein, and blood pressure, and attend scheduled reassessments with your kidney specialist.

Can I return home after the first week of injections in China?

This depends on whether the ongoing medication supply, injection training, and local follow-up have been arranged. Ask both care teams to agree in advance on who will review test results and whom to contact if you develop a fever or have abnormal laboratory results.