Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody (ANCA)-Associated Vasculitis (AAV)

• Skin Lesions
  • Reddish, purple spots or small bruises
  • Hives
• Muscle pain
• Joint pain
• Fatigue
• Night sweats
• Blood or protein in the urine
• Numbness/tingling in the fingers and toes
• Gastrointestinal symptoms
• Eye irritation
• Blurred vision
• Sinus pressure and congestion
• Cough
• Chest pain

• A kidney or lung biopsy is the preferred diagnostic method for ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV).
• Clinical features of ANCA-associated vasculitis combined with a positive ANCA serology test may also support a diagnosis of AAV.

The goal of treatment is to inhibit the body’s inflammatory response towards neutrophils that leads to damage of blood vessels and potentially organ damage. Treatment of ANCA-associated vasculitis is typically divided into two different groups, induction therapy and maintenance therapy. The goal of induction therapy is to control the disease and get it into remission. Once in remission, maintenance therapy is used to sustain remission and prevent disease exacerbations. Current treatment regimens include a variety of medications that suppress the immune system, leading to decreased inflammation and blood vessel destruction. Intravenous and oral immunosuppressive agents including cyclophosphamide, azathioprine, glucocorticoids, methotrexate, mycophenoloate mofetil and rituximab are commonly utilized. More than one medication is typically used to control the symptoms and effects of ANCA-associated vasculitis. Tavneos is a new oral medication that targets and inhibits the C5a receptor, a key step in the body’s inflammatory process. Through this mechanism, Tavneos works to reduce inflammation and damage to small blood vessels in ANCA-associated vasculitis.