New fund helps patients cover IgG4-RD treatment cost

A new program aims to support people with immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD) and their families by helping cover out-of-pocket medical costs associated with  treatment.

The Assistance Fund (TAF) launched the program to help eligible patients with costs including copayments, health insurance premiums, and incidental medical expenses.

“For people living with immunoglobulin G4-related disease, high out-of-pocket costs can often exacerbate the burden of this chronic disease,” Danielle Vizcaino, president and CEO of TAF, said in an organization press release. “Thanks to our donors’ generosity, the Immunoglobulin G4-Related Disease Financial Assistance Program provides a critical safety net-helping patients afford the treatment they need to improve their health and quality of life.”

IgG4-RD treatment has traditionally relied solely on the off-label use of glucocorticoids and other immunosuppressive agents. But this year, Uplizna (inebilizumab) became the first approved therapy for IgG4-RD. It is cleared for use in the U.S. to treat adults with active IgG4-RD.

Patients can apply for assistance on the TAF website, or call (833) 566-5962 to speak with a patient advocate.

Patients need lifelong treatment

In IgG4-RD, immune cells, particularly those producing the IgG4 antibody, infiltrate tissues and drive persistent inflammation. Over time, this process can lead to scarring (fibrosis) and the development of tissue enlargements and tumor-like masses that disrupt tissue and organ function.

The disease typically affects more than one tissue or organ. IgG4 symptoms can vary depending on the affected tissues and degree of damage.

Managing IgG4-RD requires the use of immunosuppressive therapy to keep inflammation under control and prevent flares, or periods when disease activity suddenly worsens. During these episodes, inflammation can cause new injury and contribute to the buildup of irreversible organ damage over time. Continuous treatment is essential, and lifelong therapy may be required to maintain disease remission and protect organ function over the long term.

Amgen’s Uplizna, administered directly into the bloodstream, works by lowering levels of immune B-cells, which are thought to contribute to the inflammation and tissue damage seen in IgG4-RD.

In clinical trials, one year of Uplizna treatment was shown to significantly lower the risk of flares, by 87%, and to increase, by nearly five times, the chances of achieving flare-free, glucocorticoid-free complete remission.

The Assistance Fund manages more than 100 disease-specific programs, each covering FDA-approved treatments for the named disease. It has provided treatment access to more than 210,000 people, supporting both children and adults in their journey to stay healthy or manage a life-changing disease.