World Kidney Day: Celebrating the achievements of Dr Edwin Wong and his team in renal research
Today on World Kidney Day we look back on the achievements of Dr Edwin Wong and his Newcastle-based team, who made significant research contributions to a study investigating a new treatment for C3 glomerulopathy, a rare renal condition known as C3G.
The NIHR-supported study, which is sponsored by pharmaceutical company Novartis, investigates the effectiveness of iptacopan (LNP023) as a new treatment for C3G, a condition in which complement proteins are deposited in the kidney, leading to abnormal kidney function and proteinuria. Prior to this study, there were no effective treatments for C3G and many patients with the condition were likely to develop kidney failure.
In a much-celebrated success for Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Dr Wong and his team recruited the world’s first patient to the study, as well as recruiting a significant percentage of the study’s overall participants. Recruiting a first global patient is a key performance indicator for the life sciences industry, as it demonstrates how organisations can support the rapid set-up and delivery of clinical research.
Following his achievements, Dr Wong was invited to present the interim analysis data for the study at the premier renal conference for the American Society of Nephrology in October 2020. Data from the Phase II study showed that after 12 weeks, iptacopan significantly reduced proteinuria by 49% compared to baseline values in twelve patients with C3G. The data also highlighted the drug’s ability to inhibit the alternative complement pathway, thereby targeting the underlying cause of the disease.
Dr Edwin Wong, Consultant Nephrologist at the National Renal Complement Therapeutics Centre at Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Credit must go to the patients for their commitment and the research team for their hard work over the past couple of years. They have helped us to contribute immensely to this research study that I hope will eventually lead to new treatments becoming available for patients with C3 glomerulopathy, a disease that undoubtedly has a huge unmet need.”
Professor Caroline Wroe, Clinical Director at NIHR Clinical Research Network North East and North Cumbria said: “Testing new treatments for rare diseases is such an important part of the world-class clinical research we deliver in the UK. I am delighted that the renal team at the Freeman Hospital led by Dr Wong have been able to offer this potentially life-transforming treatment for patients with C3G and I want to congratulate and commend them for this work. I am delighted that we are able to offer research opportunities across every renal unit in the region and on World Kidney Day I’d like to thank the patients and clinical teams in Cumbria, Middlesbrough, Newcastle and Sunderland for their contribution.”
