Don’t let rare slow your momentum

Moving ahead means…

Understanding your body
Paying attention to changes
Acting early
Speaking up
Asking questions
Feeling prepared for what comes next

This image and related materials are not intended to represent, describe, or suggest Suni Lee’s specific kidney disease, diagnosis, or medical treatment. Biogen does not recommend or promote the use of any product outside of its FDA-approved labeling.

EMPAVELI is indicated to treat adults and children 12 years of age and older with a kidney disease called C3G or primary IC-MPGN, to reduce levels of protein in the urine (proteinuria) and the loss of kidney function.

Hi, I’m Suni Lee.
And this is my kidney health story

When I noticed unexpected symptoms, I trusted my instincts and searched for answers. A diagnosis of 2 rare kidney diseases changed my path, but not my purpose.

By listening to my body and advocating for my health, I was able to get the help I needed. My journey reminds me that caring for yourself is a strength.

Be a champion for your own health

Symptoms of rare kidney diseases aren’t always obvious. Being prepared for conversations with your doctor can help you ask the right questions and better understand your options.

Be prepared for your appointment with a personalized doctor discussion guide for C3G or primary IC-MPGN:

Build my discussion guide

Here are some lessons I’ve learned along the way

Power in practice

Preparation and asking questions helped me become a more active participant in my care.

/

Please talk to your doctor about any questions you have regarding C3G/‌primary IC-MPGN and learn about a treatment option.

Noticing the signs

Paying attention to small changes in my body made a difference in my health care.

/

Please talk to your doctor about any questions you have regarding C3G/‌primary IC-MPGN and learn about a treatment option.

Talk baloon icon

Find strength in shared stories

Every step forward starts with someone choosing to speak up, ask questions, and keep going. Hear how others have navigated their own journeys. This can offer perspective, encouragement, and confidence for your own path.

Keep going—and never stop researching and looking for the right answer for you and your family, because that’s important.
Kerry, the mother of Quinn who’s taken EMPAVELI
The more prepared I became, the more I felt like I could be a part of the decisions being made about my health.
Suni
Find your voice, find your support system. Connect with others in the…community, and remember, you’re not alone.
Meredith, a real person who’s taken EMPAVELI
I started preparing in a way that made most sense to me. I looked things up, wrote down what I wanted to understand, and made next steps with my caretaker.
Suni

If you think you may have C3G or primary IC-MPGN, sign up now.

Lightbulb icon

Knowledge helps you
move forward

Like Suni, many people find that understanding what’s happening is an important part of taking charge of their health.

What makes a kidney disease rare?

Rare kidney diseases affect a small number of people, which can sometimes make them more difficult to recognize and diagnose.

C3G and primary IC-MPGN are 2 rare kidney diseases.

Swipe to learn more Right arrow icon

Rare icon

What is C3G?

C3 glomerulopathy (C3G) is a rare kidney disease caused by an overactive complement system, a part of your immune system that normally helps fight infections.

In C3G, an overactive complement system can lead to C3 fragment buildup in the kidneys. Over time, this buildup can lead to inflammation and kidney damage.

What is primary IC-MPGN?

Primary immune-complex membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (primary IC-MPGN) is a rare kidney disease caused by an overactive complement system, a part of your immune system that normally helps fight infections.

In primary IC-MPGN, the overactive complement system can lead to a buildup of immunoglobulin and C3 fragments. Over time, buildup is thought to lead to inflammation and kidney damage in people with primary IC-MPGN.

C3G and primary IC-MPGN can seriously impact your kidneys and lead to irreversible damage

C3G and primary IC-MPGN can cause:

  • Kidney damage (indicated by proteinuria)
  • Declining kidney function (measured by eGFR)
  • Inflammation and kidney scarring (caused by C3 fragment buildup)

Ready for a GAME-CHANGER for C3G or primary IC-MPGN?

Make your move
with EMPAVELI

Only EMPAVELI was studied in the largest and broadest trial, across a range of people, including:

  • Adults living with C3G or primary IC-MPGN
  • Those whose C3G returned following a kidney transplant*
  • Children 12 years of age and older living with C3G or primary IC-MPGN

*Safety and effectiveness of EMPAVELI in patients with recurrent IC-MPGN following a kidney transplant have not been established.

See if EMPAVELI is right for you

Always talk to your doctor about your medical condition and the treatment options that may be available to you.

Hear from people living with C3G as they share their experiences with EMPAVELI and the role treatment has played in their own health journey.

Meredith video cover

Meredith is a lover of the great outdoors who was diagnosed with C3G at a young age. With the help of her mom, Meredith has learned the importance of self-advocacy and speaking up.

Quinn video cover

An avid hockey player, Quinn was confused and scared when he received a C3G diagnosis. His mom, Kerry, initially felt helpless. However, together with Quinn’s doctor, they found a solution that worked for them.

Step icon

Take the next step

Woman icon

Want to talk?

Connect 1:1 with a real person from our Patient Engagement Team for answers and helpful resources related to C3G and primary IC-MPGN.

Patient Engagement Team members do not give medical advice. Talk to your doctor for treatment-related questions.

Magnifier icon

Discover more about EMPAVELI

Find out how EMPAVELI works, learn about treatment, hear additional patient stories, and discover educational resources designed for people living with C3G or primary IC-MPGN.

C3G=C3 glomerulopathy; IC-MPGN=immune-complex membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis.

INDICATION AND IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

What is the most important information I should know about EMPAVELI?

EMPAVELI is a medicine that affects your immune system and may lower the ability of your immune system to fight infections.

EMPAVELI increases your chance of getting serious infections caused by encapsulated bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae type B. These serious infections may quickly become life-threatening or cause death if not recognized and treated early.

  1. You must complete or be up to date with the vaccines against Streptococcus pneumoniae and Neisseria meningitidis at least 2 weeks before your first dose of EMPAVELI.
  2. If you have not completed your vaccines and EMPAVELI must be started right away, you should receive the required vaccines as soon as possible.
  3. If you have not been vaccinated and EMPAVELI must be started right away, you should also receive antibiotics to take for as long as your healthcare provider tells you.
  4. If you have been vaccinated against these bacteria in the past, you might need additional vaccines before starting EMPAVELI. Your healthcare provider will decide if you need additional vaccines.
  5. Vaccines do not prevent all infections caused by encapsulated bacteria. Call your healthcare provider or get emergency medical care right away if you get any of these signs and symptoms of a serious infection:
    • fever with or without shivers or the chills
    • fever with chest pain and cough
    • fever with high heart rate
    • headache and a fever
    • confusion
    • clammy skin
    • fever and a rash
    • fever with breathlessness or fast breathing
    • headache with nausea or vomiting
    • headache with a stiff neck or stiff back
    • body aches with flu-like symptoms
    • eyes sensitive to light

Your healthcare provider will give you a Patient Safety Card about the risk of serious infections. Carry it with you at all times during treatment and for 2 months after your last EMPAVELI dose. Your risk of serious infections may continue for several weeks after your last dose of EMPAVELI. It is important to show this card to any healthcare provider who treats you. This will help them diagnose and treat you quickly.

EMPAVELI is only available through a program called the EMPAVELI Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS). Before you can take EMPAVELI, your healthcare provider must enroll in the EMPAVELI REMS program, counsel you about the risk of serious infections caused by certain bacteria, give you information about the symptoms of serious infections, make sure that you are vaccinated against serious infections caused by encapsulated bacteria and that you receive antibiotics if you need to start EMPAVELI right away and you are not up to date on your vaccines, and give you a Patient Safety Card about your risk of serious infections.

Who should NOT take EMPAVELI?

Do not take EMPAVELI if you:

  • are allergic to pegcetacoplan or any of the ingredients in EMPAVELI.
  • have a serious infection caused by encapsulated bacteria, including Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae type B when you are starting EMPAVELI treatment.

Before you take EMPAVELI, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

  • have an infection or fever.
  • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. EMPAVELI may harm your unborn baby. Females who are able to become pregnant should have a pregnancy test before starting treatment with EMPAVELI and use an effective method of birth control during treatment with EMPAVELI and for 40 days after the last dose.
  • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if EMPAVELI passes into your breast milk. You should not breastfeed during treatment with EMPAVELI and for 40 days after the last dose.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the vaccines you receive and medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements which could affect your treatment.

What are the possible side effects of EMPAVELI?

EMPAVELI can cause serious side effects including allergic reactions. Allergic reactions can happen during your EMPAVELI infusion and can be life-threatening. Stop your EMPAVELI infusion and get emergency medical care right away if you get any of these symptoms during your EMPAVELI infusion:

  • chest pain
  • trouble breathing or shortness of breath
  • wheezing
  • swelling of your face, tongue, or throat
  • feel dizzy or faint or pass out
  • fast heart rate
  • nausea or vomiting
  • feel confused or anxious
  • skin reactions, including rash, hives, and itching

The most common side effects in adults and children 12 years of age and older with C3G or primary IC-MPGN treated with EMPAVELI include injection-site reactions, fever, common cold, flu, cough, and nausea.

These are not all of the possible side effects of EMPAVELI. Tell your healthcare provider about any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.

Call your healthcare provider for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

What is EMPAVELI® (pegcetacoplan)?

EMPAVELI is a prescription medicine used to treat adults and children 12 years of age and older with a kidney disease called complement 3 glomerulopathy (C3G) or primary immune-complex membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (IC-MPGN), to reduce levels of protein in the urine (proteinuria) and the loss of kidney function.

Please see full Prescribing Information, including Boxed WARNING regarding risk of serious infections, and Medication Guide for additional information.

/
Please talk to your doctor about any questions you have regarding C3G/primary IC-MPGN and learn about a treatment option.
Next video

INDICATION AND IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

What is the most important information I should know about EMPAVELI?

EMPAVELI is a medicine that affects your immune system and may lower the ability of your immune system to fight infections.

EMPAVELI increases your chance of getting serious infections caused by encapsulated bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae type B. These serious infections may quickly become life-threatening or cause death if not recognized and treated early.

  1. You must complete or be up to date with the vaccines against Streptococcus pneumoniae and Neisseria meningitidis at least 2 weeks before your first dose of EMPAVELI.
  2. If you have not completed your vaccines and EMPAVELI must be started right away, you should receive the required vaccines as soon as possible.
  3. If you have not been vaccinated and EMPAVELI must be started right away, you should also receive antibiotics to take for as long as your healthcare provider tells you.
  4. If you have been vaccinated against these bacteria in the past, you might need additional vaccines before starting EMPAVELI. Your healthcare provider will decide if you need additional vaccines.
  5. Vaccines do not prevent all infections caused by encapsulated bacteria. Call your healthcare provider or get emergency medical care right away if you get any of these signs and symptoms of a serious infection:
    • fever with or without shivers or the chills
    • fever with chest pain and cough
    • fever with high heart rate
    • headache and a fever
    • confusion
    • clammy skin
    • fever and a rash
    • fever with breathlessness or fast breathing
    • headache with nausea or vomiting
    • headache with a stiff neck or stiff back
    • body aches with flu-like symptoms
    • eyes sensitive to light

Your healthcare provider will give you a Patient Safety Card about the risk of serious infections. Carry it with you at all times during treatment and for 2 months after your last EMPAVELI dose. Your risk of serious infections may continue for several weeks after your last dose of EMPAVELI. It is important to show this card to any healthcare provider who treats you. This will help them diagnose and treat you quickly.

EMPAVELI is only available through a program called the EMPAVELI Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS). Before you can take EMPAVELI, your healthcare provider must enroll in the EMPAVELI REMS program, counsel you about the risk of serious infections caused by certain bacteria, give you information about the symptoms of serious infections, make sure that you are vaccinated against serious infections caused by encapsulated bacteria and that you receive antibiotics if you need to start EMPAVELI right away and you are not up to date on your vaccines, and give you a Patient Safety Card about your risk of serious infections.

Who should NOT take EMPAVELI?

Do not take EMPAVELI if you:

  • are allergic to pegcetacoplan or any of the ingredients in EMPAVELI.
  • have a serious infection caused by encapsulated bacteria, including Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae type B when you are starting EMPAVELI treatment.

Before you take EMPAVELI, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

  • have an infection or fever.
  • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. EMPAVELI may harm your unborn baby. Females who are able to become pregnant should have a pregnancy test before starting treatment with EMPAVELI and use an effective method of birth control during treatment with EMPAVELI and for 40 days after the last dose.
  • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if EMPAVELI passes into your breast milk. You should not breastfeed during treatment with EMPAVELI and for 40 days after the last dose.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the vaccines you receive and medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements which could affect your treatment.

What are the possible side effects of EMPAVELI?

EMPAVELI can cause serious side effects including allergic reactions. Allergic reactions can happen during your EMPAVELI infusion and can be life-threatening. Stop your EMPAVELI infusion and get emergency medical care right away if you get any of these symptoms during your EMPAVELI infusion:

  • chest pain
  • trouble breathing or shortness of breath
  • wheezing
  • swelling of your face, tongue, or throat
  • feel dizzy or faint or pass out
  • fast heart rate
  • nausea or vomiting
  • feel confused or anxious
  • skin reactions, including rash, hives, and itching

The most common side effects in adults and children 12 years of age and older with C3G or primary IC-MPGN treated with EMPAVELI include injection-site reactions, fever, common cold, flu, cough, and nausea.

These are not all of the possible side effects of EMPAVELI. Tell your healthcare provider about any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.

Call your healthcare provider for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

What is EMPAVELI® (pegcetacoplan)?

EMPAVELI is a prescription medicine used to treat adults and children 12 years of age and older with a kidney disease called complement 3 glomerulopathy (C3G) or primary immune-complex membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (IC-MPGN), to reduce levels of protein in the urine (proteinuria) and the loss of kidney function.

Please see full Prescribing Information, including Boxed WARNING regarding risk of serious infections, and Medication Guide for additional information.