German family-owned pharmaceutical company Boehringer Ingelheim today announced the results of the Phase II clinical trial for its innovative drug apecotrep (BI 764198). This drug is designed as a novel, targeted, non-immunosuppressive therapy specifically for patients with primary focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), a relatively rare kidney disease.

Trial data showed that after 12 weeks of treatment, the patient group receiving the 20 mg dose of the innovative drug apecotrep experienced a 40% reduction in proteinuria levels compared to the placebo group. Proteinuria is a key indicator of kidney damage, and this significant reduction suggests that apecotrep has a positive effect in protecting kidney function. Furthermore, the drug demonstrated good tolerability in the trial, offering patients a new treatment option.

Paola Casarosa, Head of Innovation at Boehringer Ingelheim and Managing Director, stated: "These results highlight our scientific exploration capabilities in the field of kidney health, as well as our deep care for patients with cardiovascular, renal, and metabolic diseases, especially those with rare kidney conditions like FSGS." She added: "With the initiation of Phase III clinical trials, we are fully committed to advancing the development of the innovative drug apecotrep, which has the potential to provide the first disease-modifying treatment for patients with primary FSGS and redefine the standard of patient care."