Evaluate Rituximab Treatment for Idiopathic Membranous Nephropathy

The IMN exposes patients to severe complications which engage the vital prognosis or Nephrotic Syndrome.

The development of well tolerated and effective pathogenesis linked therapies is needed to treat patients with idiopathic Membranous Nephropathy Rituximab, a monoclonal antibody (mAb) against the CD20 present on B cells, has been recently used in patients suffering of nephrotic syndrome related to IMN in four international studies. Rituximab appears effective and safe in reducing proteinuria in nearly 60% of patients.

However, no randomized controlled study has been published to date.

In a previous study, outcome of 28 patients treated with rituximab for idiopathic MN is analysed. Anti-PLA2R antibodies in serum and PLA2R antigen in kidney biopsy were assessed in 10 and 9 patients.

Proteinuria was significantly decreased by 56%, 62% and 87% at 3 months, 6 months and 12 months. At 6 months, 2 patients achieved full remission and 12 partial remission (overall renal response, 50%). At 12 months (n=23), complete remission was achieved in 6 patients and partial remission in 13 patients (overall renal response, 82,6%). Three patients suffered a relapse of nephrotic proteinuria 27 to 50 months after treatment. Univariate analysis suggested that the degree of renal failure (MDRD < 45/ml/min/1.73 m²) is an independent factor that predicts lack of response to rituximab. Anti-PLA2R antibodies were detected in serum in 10 patients, and PLA2R antigen in immune deposits in 8 of 9 patients. Antibodies became negative in all 5 responsive patients with available follow-up. In this retrospective study, a high rate of remission was achieved at 12 months after treatment.

Our trial is a Prospective randomized multicentric open label study. The 2 arms of the study are : Non Immunosuppressive Symptomatic Treatment (NIST) and Rituximab+ NIST Patients randomized to the Rituximab arm will receive 375 mg/m² on days 1 and 8 (+ NIST). Patients in the control arm will be treated only with Non Immunosuppressive Symptomatic Treatment (NIST).

The duration of participation per patient is 6 months for interventional study. An observational follow-up is performed at M9, M12, M18 & M24 for all patients included in study with lab data collection of test done during usual pathology follow-up.

A part of the diagnosis renal biopsy (performed usually as part of health care) is collected for all patients as for the purpose of central analysis.

Our Primary Outcome Measure is evaluation of efficacy of Rituximab associated with NIST in (IMN) in reducing the rate of proteinuria (patients with persistent urinary protein excretion rate ≥3,5g/24 h and albuminemia < 30g/l ).

Inclusion criteria

• At least 18 years old.
• Idiopathic Membranous nephropathy proved by renal biopsy
• Persistent urinary protein excretion rate ≥3,5g/24 h and albuminemia < 30g/l for at least 6 months with full dose of NIST
• Patient receiving a non immunosuppressive conventional treatment (antiproteinuric and antihypertensive blocking the rennin-angiotensine system, lipid-lowering statin) since at least 6 months.
• Patient has given its written consent
• Patient with social coverage (excepting AME)
• Use of an efficient contraception method for women in childbearing age.

Exclusion criteria

• Secondary membranous nephropathy
• Patient already in a clinical trial
• Patient received an immunosuppressive treatment within 3 months before the study
• Patient with chronic renal disease defined by estimated GFR by MDRD formula under 30ml/mn/1,73m²
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding
• HIV infection, HCV and HBV active infection
• Severe or evolving infections.
• Allergy or hypersensitivity to Rituximab or any component