For Patients
Living with IgAN
IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is a serious autoimmune kidney disease in which immune complexes of abnormal IgA antibodies build up in the kidneys. Over time, this can lead to inflammation, damage, and progressive loss of kidney function.
Vera Therapeutics is focused on research that targets the immune drivers of IgAN, with the goal of addressing disease more directly.
Patient stories
For many patients, IgAN is a life-changing diagnosis. The disease can affect daily routines, emotional well-being, long-term planning, and quality of life. Some patients may eventually require dialysis or a kidney transplant.
Listening to people living with IgAN helps bring clarity to the human experience behind the science.
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“I was told your kidneys are going to slowly lose function and you’ll need dialysis or a transplant. And the other option is death. So we walked out of that first appointment devastated—we walked away without hope. Looking forward, I want to help identify IgAN earlier, so that we can help people get in front of it.”
Tony
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“I feel blessed that I caught this early because even though I wasn’t showing any symptoms, my kidneys were about 50% shot already. A lot of doctors have no clue what IgA nephropathy is. There are a lot of people who are probably living with my disease who have no clue. Most people who find out they have kidney disease are crashing into dialysis. It’s too late for their kidneys and they’re being told you have to get a transplant or you’re going to die.”
Jeff
“IgA Nephropathy has reframed my life—entirely. At 22 years old, while going to college and working full-time, I noticed black spots in my vision. When I went to the doctor he told me it was likely just stress – but he reluctantly agreed to run some tests. The next morning, he called and told me to go to the emergency room immediately.”
Liz
“The doctors told my parents and me that there was no cure, no proven treatment and that this disease would likely lead to kidney failure. I felt completely overwhelmed and also confused.”
Gisela
“Living with IgA Nephropathy is a game-changer, and it will impact everything from what you eat to how you feel mentally every day. We need to move the needle to find a cure and a treatment for this disease.”
Stuart
“When I was diagnosed, I was terrified. I was young so I did not really know what was going on, besides the fact that I am sick, and I am not going to get better. All I really remember is being scared and seeing my parents so scared and hurting.”
Lillie