ERA 2026 at a glance
ERA 2026 highlights emerging competitive developments in nephrology, from treatment sequencing in IgA nephropathy (IgAN) to complement-targeted therapies, cardio-kidney-metabolic care and AI-enabled clinical workflows.
The conference will examine where therapeutic differentiation may emerge as treatment options expand, evidence requirements evolve and care delivery becomes increasingly important to competitive positioning.
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ERA 2026: Key Developments in Nephrology
IgA Nephropathy: Treatment Differentiation Beyond Proteinuria
Atrasentan, iptacopan, ravulizumab, Nefecon, atacicept and MY008211A will highlight growing competition in IgA nephropathy (IgAN).
The central question is whether emerging treatments can demonstrate meaningful differentiation beyond proteinuria reduction, particularly through sustained kidney function outcomes and safety.
Complement-Targeted Therapies: Refining Patient Selection
Pegcetacoplan, iptacopan, crovalimab, ravulizumab, eculizumab and Factor B inhibition will highlight the expanding role of complement-targeted approaches in kidney disease.
These developments may sharpen patient-selection strategies across complement-mediated renal conditions.
Cardio-Kidney-Metabolic CKD: Evolving Treatment Sequencing
Finerenone, semaglutide, sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i), zilebesiran, nurandociguat and rivaroxaban will inform treatment sequencing discussions in chronic kidney disease (CKD).
The focus will be on how emerging evidence influences cardio-kidney-metabolic risk management.
Immune-Mediated Kidney Disease: Biologics Challenge Established Pathways
Obinutuzumab, rituximab and imlifidase will highlight potential alternatives to conventional immunosuppression pathways.
Their clinical positioning will depend on whether emerging evidence supports changes in treatment selection and sequencing.
Dialysis: Differentiation Through Outcomes and Care Delivery
Theranova expanded hemodialysis (HDx), hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase inhibitors (HIF-PHIs), home dialysis and sustainability initiatives will feature in discussions about dialysis care.
A key question is whether outcomes evidence can influence care-pathway decisions and support differentiation beyond established treatment approaches.
Nephrology Competitive Landscape: Competitor and Industry Signals
Novartis: Complement Inhibition in IgAN and C3G
Novartis’ iptacopan and broader complement-targeted positioning will be important developments to watch across IgAN and C3 glomerulopathy (C3G).
Bayer: Cardio-Kidney Risk and Inflammation Strategies
Bayer’s finerenone, rivaroxaban and nurandociguat programmes suggest a broader strategic focus on cardio-kidney risk, inflammation and fibrosis.
Roche: Biologic Approaches in Immune Nephrology
Roche’s obinutuzumab and rituximab discussions will highlight individualized biologic approaches in lupus nephritis and immune-mediated glomerulonephritis.
Emerging Entrants: New Approaches in Rare Kidney Disease
CLYM116, ricefidase, tarperprumig, allele-specific therapies and gene therapy approaches will bring early-stage development opportunities into rare and immune-mediated kidney diseases.
These programmes may expand future treatment options, although their competitive positioning remains dependent on clinical evidence.
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning at ERA 2026
AI-Based CKD Risk Assessment: Earlier Detection and Prediction
AI-enabled risk algorithms and diabetic nephropathy screening tools could support earlier CKD detection and prediction of disease progression.
Home Dialysis: Conversational AI for Patient Support
Fresenius Medical Care’s conversational AI highlights a potential role for digital tools in improving patient confidence and support during home hemodialysis.
Clinical Trials: Hybrid Creatinine Measurement and eGFR Endpoints
Hybrid laboratory and home-based creatinine measurement may become relevant for capturing estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) endpoints in CKD and transplant trials.
What We Are Watching After ERA 2026
LucidQuest will monitor four competitive developments:
- IgAN treatment sequencing: Whether emerging readouts demonstrate sufficient differentiation in eGFR durability and safety to clarify future treatment choices.
- Complement-targeted therapies: Whether clinical programmes establish clearer patient-selection strategies across IgAN, C3G, immune complex-mediated membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (IC-MPGN) and atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS).
- Immune nephrology: Whether biologics generate sufficient evidence to challenge tacrolimus, corticosteroids, plasma exchange and conventional immunosuppression.
- AI implementation: Whether digital tools demonstrate practical workflow value in CKD detection, home dialysis, nutrition and clinical trial execution.
Download LucidQuest’s ERA 2026 Preview Report
Download our ERA 2026 preview report for deeper analysis of emerging nephrology therapies, clinical evidence, competitor positioning and AI-enabled care delivery.
📅 Build your schedule around the sessions that matter most.
📥 Download the ERA 2026_Preview_by_LucidQuest
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