Understanding C3G and IC-MPGN
C3G and IC-MPGN are rare kidney diseases. In both diseases, an important part of the immune system known as the complement cascade is overactive, which results in the excessive breakdown of a protein called C3.1 These C3 breakdown products become trapped in the kidney, causing inflammation and damage to the organ.1
Although IC-MPGN is a distinct disease from C3G, the underlying cause and progression of the two diseases are remarkably similar.2,3 The signs and symptoms of C3G and IC-MPGN include blood in the urine (hematuria); dark foamy urine due to the presence of protein (proteinuria); edema (swelling), often in the legs, although any part of the body can be affected; high blood pressure; and decreased urine output.4
There are no medicines currently approved for C3G or IC-MPGN, so there is a substantial need for medicines that target the cause of the diseases. C3G and IC-MPGN can lead to kidney failure within five to 10 years of diagnosis, requiring these patients to go on dialysis or get a kidney transplant.5
