Atacicept (Trutakna) is a targeted therapy for IgAN that received FDA approval in July 2026.
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This approval was granted based on the drug’s ability to reduce protein in the urine, and its continued approval will depend on future studies confirming that it also protects kidney function over the long term, says Diaz.
How Atacicept Works
Like sibeprenlimab, atacicept helps reduce the production of abnormal IgA antibodies that damage the kidneys. But atacicept blocks two cytokines (proteins that immune cells use to send signals to each other) that help produce abnormal IgA antibodies: APRIL and B-cell activating factor.
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By blocking both proteins, atacicept helps reduce the amount of these harmful antibodies being made, which lowers proteinuria and helps protect the kidneys from further damage, says Diaz.In a clinical trial, adults taking atacicept had about a 46 percent reduction in proteinuria after nine months, compared with roughly 7 percent in those taking a placebo.
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Study participants continued standard supportive care, such as ACE inhibitors or ARBs, and about half were also taking SGLT2 inhibitors.
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Atacicept is a once-weekly injection that you can administer yourself at home.
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Who Is Eligible for Atacicept?
Atacicept is approved for adults with biopsy-confirmed IgAN who are at risk for disease progression, says Diaz.
In the clinical trial that led to FDA approval, participants had persistent proteinuria of at least 1 gram over 24 hours despite optimized supportive care.
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They also had an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), a measure of how well the kidneys filter waste from the blood, of at least 30 mL/min/1.73 m², she says. Some people in the study were taking an SGLT2 inhibitor or a mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist along with an ACE inhibitor or ARB.
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Your nephrologist will consider your proteinuria, kidney function, overall health, and risk of disease progression to determine whether atacicept is a good treatment for you.
You should also complete any recommended vaccinations before starting treatment and avoid live vaccines while receiving atacicept, since the medication can weaken your response to the vaccine and increase infection risk.
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Common Side Effects
Side effects commonly reported during the clinical trial included:
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- Injection-site reactions
- Upper respiratory infections
Because atacicept affects the immune system, it can increase your risk of infections.
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Tell your nephrologist if you have an active infection before starting treatment, and let them know right away if you develop signs of an infection, such as a fever or chills, while taking the medication.