NEJM Retracts Avacopan Vasculitis Study - Scorecard - MDSpire

NEJM Retracts Avacopan Vasculitis Study

"The primary end-point assessments in nine patients were readjudicated after database lock and trial unblinding"

  • By

  • Kathryn Wighton

  • July 1, 2026

  • 3 min

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Clinical Scorecard: NEJM Retracts Avacopan Vasculitis Study

At a Glance

CategoryDetail
ConditionAntineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis
Key MechanismsUndisclosed changes to primary end point assessments following database lock and trial unblinding
Target PopulationPatients with newly diagnosed or relapsing granulomatosis with polyangiitis or microscopic polyangiitis
Care SettingClinical trial setting

Key Highlights

  • The NEJM retracted the article evaluating avacopan due to undisclosed changes in primary end point assessments.
  • The FDA proposed withdrawing approval of Tavneos (avacopan) based on new information from an investigation.
  • The original analysis of the pivotal clinical study allegedly did not support the drug's effectiveness.
  • The ADVOCATE trial involved 331 patients and compared avacopan to a tapering regimen of prednisone.
  • The retraction follows a correction regarding glucocorticoid dose conversions published in January 2024.

Guideline-Based Recommendations

Diagnosis

    Management

    • Health care professionals should discuss available treatment options with patients regarding Tavneos.

    Monitoring & Follow-up

      Risks

      • Potential manipulation of study results by unblinded personnel.

      Patient & Prescribing Data

      Patients with granulomatosis with polyangiitis or microscopic polyangiitis.

      Avacopan was reported as noninferior to prednisone for remission at week 26 and superior for sustained remission at week 52, but these findings are now retracted.

      Clinical Best Practices

      • Ensure transparency in clinical trial reporting and endpoint assessments.
      • Monitor ongoing FDA evaluations regarding drug approvals.

      Related Resources & Content

      Original Source(s)

      NEJM Retracts Avacopan Vasculitis Study

      • by Kathryn Wighton

      • July 1, 2026

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