- In May 2024, Horizon Therapeutics announced the initiation of a Phase II clinical trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of tezepelumab, a biologic targeting thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), in patients with IgG4-Related Disease. This trial reflects growing interest in novel biologic therapies to manage the inflammatory and fibrotic features of IgG4-RD, as traditional steroid therapy remains suboptimal for long-term disease control
- In March 2024, the Mayo Clinic (U.S.) published results from a longitudinal cohort study involving over 200 patients with IgG4-RD, providing new insights into disease progression, organ involvement patterns, and biomarker utility. The findings are expected to refine diagnostic criteria and guide targeted therapeutic strategies, thus contributing to improved patient outcomes
- In February 2024, Kyowa Kirin (Japan) announced positive preclinical data for its anti-IL-4Rα monoclonal antibody, highlighting its potential application in IgG4-RD by modulating Th2-driven immune pathways. The company confirmed plans to move into early-stage human trials by 2025, focusing on multi-organ manifestations of the disease
- In December 2023, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) expanded its autoimmune and rare diseases pipeline through a licensing agreement with a U.S.-based biotech firm developing therapies targeting plasmablasts—key immune cells involved in the pathogenesis of IgG4-RD. This collaboration aims to deliver a first-in-class precision therapy targeting disease-specific immune pathways
- In October 2023, a multidisciplinary task force led by the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) released updated guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of IgG4-Related Disease. These guidelines emphasize the use of serological IgG4 levels, biopsy confirmation, and risk-based treatment algorithms that prioritize steroid-sparing regimens for long-term management
- In August 2023, the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) launched a dedicated research consortium focused on autoimmune pancreatitis and IgG4-related hepatobiliary disease. The initiative brings together gastroenterologists, immunologists, and pathologists to study tissue-specific manifestations and advance precision medicine approaches for these under-recognized conditions
