Trutakna (Atacicept-Vymj) for IgA Nephropathy

Trutakna (atacicept-vymj) is a prescription medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to reduce protein in the urine in adults with primary immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) who are at risk of their disease getting worse.

How Trutakna Works and How It’s Taken

Trutakna blocks two signals in the immune system called BAFF and APRIL. This lowers the amount of a certain form of IgA called galactose-deficient IgA1, or Gd-IgA1. IgA is a type of antibody made by the immune system.

IgAN is a kidney disease. People with IgAN can have protein in their urine. This is called proteinuria.

Doctors prescribe Trutakna to reduce protein in the urine in adults with primary IgAN who are at risk of their disease getting worse.

Trutakna is given as an injection under the skin once a week. It comes in a prefilled autoinjector. People or caregivers can give the injection at home.

Trutakna can be injected under the skin of the stomach area or the front of the thigh. If injecting into the stomach area, stay at least 2 inches away from the belly button. Use a different injection site each time.

Typical Dosing for IgAN

The recommended dose of Trutakna is 150 milligrams injected under the skin once weekly.

This information is based on prescribing information, but your healthcare provider may tailor your treatment plan. Always follow their guidance.

Trutakna Side Effects

In clinical studies of adults taking Trutakna, the most common side effects occurred in at least 5 percent or more of people. These include:

Upper respiratory tract infection (such as a cold)
Injection site reactions (such as discoloration, swelling, itching, or skin irritation where the shot is given)

Serious Side Effects and Warnings

Trutakna can cause serious side effects that may require immediate medical attention. These include:

Serious infections — Trutakna can weaken the immune system, which can make it harder to fight infections.
Serious allergic reactions — Hypersensitivity can include breathing problems, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, dizziness, or rash.

Get medical help right away if you think you are having a serious reaction.

How To Save on Trutakna

Vera Therapeutics, Inc, the manufacturer of Trutakna, offers the Tru Support Copay Program. Eligible people with commercial insurance may pay as little as $0. People who are uninsured or underinsured may be eligible to receive Trutakna at no cost through the patient assistance program.

Tru Support may also provide temporary access to Trutakna during insurance coverage delays and help with understanding benefits and prior authorization requirements.

To learn more, visit the Tru Support Copay Program website or call 800-729-8591.

What To Know Before Taking Trutakna

Before starting Trutakna, your doctor will check you for active infections. If you have an active infection, treatment may need to be delayed until the infection is gone or has been treated.

Make sure you are up to date on vaccines before starting Trutakna. Live vaccines are not recommended within 30 days before starting Trutakna or during treatment.

Before starting Trutakna, tell your doctor if you:

Have any allergies to atacicept-vymj or any ingredients in Trutakna
Have or think you have an infection
Have infections that keep coming back
Recently received a vaccine or are scheduled to receive one
Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant
Are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed

Tell your doctor about all medicines you take, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Do not use Trutakna if you have had a serious allergic reaction to atacicept-vymj or any ingredient in Trutakna.

If you miss a dose, inject it as soon as possible. Then take your next dose one week later and continue taking Trutakna once a week.

If you become pregnant while taking Trutakna, tell your healthcare provider. You or your healthcare provider should also call 833-633-8372 to report the pregnancy exposure.

If you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed, talk with your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby while taking Trutakna.

Community FAQs

These answers are fact-checked by our editorial staff.

How effective is Trutakna for IgAN?

In a study of adults with primary IgAN, Trutakna reduced the urine protein-to-creatinine ratio by 46 percent at week 36. The reduction was 7 percent with placebo. Compared with placebo, Trutakna reduced this measure by 42 percent, and the difference was statistically significant.

It has not been established whether Trutakna slows the long-term decline in kidney function.

How long does Trutakna take to work for IgAN?

The main study measured the effect of Trutakna on protein in the urine at week 36. It does not say exactly how soon Trutakna starts reducing protein in the urine.

Some immune system proteins in the blood decreased within four weeks of starting treatment and stayed lower through week 36. However, this does not tell us exactly when Trutakna starts reducing protein in the urine.

Does Trutakna interact with other medicines?

Trutakna may interact with medicines that affect the immune system. Using Trutakna with these medicines, including systemic corticosteroids, may increase the risk of infection. Systemic corticosteroids are steroid medicines that work throughout the body.

The use of Trutakna with other immunomodulating medicines has not been fully studied.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.