The Site Initiation Visit (SIV) was recently conducted for the WALDEN Study – titled: “Safety, Efficacy, Pharmacokinetics, and Pharmacodynamics of WAL0921 in Patients with Glomerular Kidney Diseases and Proteinuria.”

The SIV was successfully held at Kandy National Hospital, National Hospital of Sri Lanka (NHSL), and Teaching Hospital Jaffna.

We extend our gratitude to the investigators, site teams, and collaborators for their continued support and commitment to advancing patient-centred research.

Kidney diseases like FSGS, IgA nephropathy, and diabetic kidney disease often lead to proteinuria (too much protein in urine) and can progress to kidney failure. Current treatments help manage symptoms but don’t stop the disease from getting worse.

WAL0921 is an investigational medicine designed to target a specific protein in the body called suPAR, which plays a key role in damaging the kidney’s filters (podocytes). By blocking suPAR, WAL0921 may help:

Reduce proteinuria (leaking of protein into urine)
Protect kidney function longer than current treatments
Slow or stop disease progression

About the Study
This clinical trial will test WAL0921 in patients with different types of glomerular kidney disease. Participants will receive either:

• WAL0921 (given as an IV infusion) or

• Placebo (a saline solution with no active drug)

The study lasts 40 weeks total, including: 4 weeks for screening, 12 weeks of treatment and 24 weeks of follow-up to monitor long-term effects

Why This Matters
Unlike current options (like blood pressure medications or steroids), WAL0921 aims to directly treat the cause of kidney damage rather than just managing symptoms. If successful, it could offer a new way to protect kidney function for patients with few treatment choices today.