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PD-1 x VEGF bispecific antibody

Ivonescimab

AK112 (Akeso/Summit) · PD-1×VEGF bispecific

PD-1 x VEGF bispecific antibody · approved 2024 · 5 references

Two nephrotoxic pathways in one molecule: VEGF-blockade glomerular injury plus checkpoint-inhibitor interstitial nephritis.

Signature injury
Glomerular Injury / Proteinuria
Severity
Moderate
Reversibility
Variable
Onset
VEGF-pathway proteinuria/hypertension typically within the first weeks-to-cycles; checkpoint-inhibitor AIN usually delayed, often 8-16 weeks (range days to >1 year).

Signature kidney injury & incidence

Glomerular Injury / Proteinuria — representative grade ≥3 incidence ~3.1%.

Renal-specific data are immature for this newly approved agent; no dedicated nephrotoxicity series exists. In registrational trials, grade >=3 VEGF-related adverse events (a class category encompassing proteinuria, hypertension, and hemorrhage) occurred in roughly 3% of patients (HARMONi-A: 5/161, 3.1%) — against 4/161 (2.5%) in the chemotherapy-alone arm of the same trial, a one-patient difference that is not separable from background. Grade >=3 immune-related adverse events (the checkpoint-inhibitor category that includes AIN) occurred in ~6-9% across trials, though kidney-specific irAE rates were not separately tabulated. Clinically significant AKI was uncommon.

Source: HARMONi-A (JAMA 2024, PMID 38820549): grade >=3 VEGF-related AEs 3.1% (5/161); grade >=3 irAEs 6.2%. HARMONi-2 (Lancet 2025, PMID 40057343): grade >=3 irAEs 7%.

Reported injury signatures: Glomerular Injury / Proteinuria, Hypertension, Acute Interstitial Nephritis, Thrombotic Microangiopathy, Prerenal / Hemodynamic AKI.

Renal toxicity profile

  1. Glomerular Injury / ProteinuriaPrimary
  2. HypertensionSecondary
  3. Acute Interstitial NephritisSecondary
  4. Thrombotic MicroangiopathySecondary
  5. Prerenal / Hemodynamic AKISecondary

Onset timing & rechallenge

Variable / unpredictable — VEGF-pathway proteinuria/hypertension within the first weeks-to-cycles; checkpoint-inhibitor AIN usually delayed, often 8–16 weeks.

Mechanism of kidney injury

Two convergent mechanisms. (1) VEGF-A sequestration removes podocyte-derived VEGF support of the glomerular filtration barrier, causing podocyte/endothelial dysfunction that manifests as proteinuria, VEGF-pathway hypertension (reduced nitric-oxide bioavailability, rarefaction), and rarely thrombotic microangiopathy - the same biology seen with bevacizumab and VEGF-TKIs. (2) PD-1/PD-L1 blockade can break renal immune tolerance and precipitate acute (granulomatous) interstitial nephritis, the canonical checkpoint-inhibitor kidney lesion. Direct tubular toxicity is not expected; pre-renal/hemodynamic contributions are minor.

Clinical presentation

Most commonly asymptomatic new or worsening proteinuria and rising blood pressure during therapy (VEGF effect). AIN presents as subacute creatinine rise weeks-to-months in, often with bland or sterile-pyuric sediment, sometimes eosinophilia; concurrent extrarenal irAEs are a clue. Nephrotic-range proteinuria, microangiopathic hemolysis (schistocytes, thrombocytopenia) suggest VEGF-mediated TMA and warrant drug hold.

Management

VEGF-related proteinuria/hypertension: standard anti-VEGF algorithm - antihypertensives (ACEi/ARB preferred for proteinuria), dose interruption for nephrotic-range proteinuria or uncontrolled hypertension, discontinue for nephrotic syndrome or TMA. Suspected checkpoint-inhibitor AIN: hold the drug, exclude alternative causes, and treat with corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone ~0.5-1 mg/kg/day with taper) per immune-related AE guidelines; kidney biopsy when diagnosis is uncertain or response is inadequate. Nephrology co-management for persistent AKI, heavy proteinuria, or TMA.

Risk factors

  • Pre-existing hypertension or chronic kidney disease
  • Baseline proteinuria
  • Prior or concurrent anti-VEGF therapy (bevacizumab, VEGF-TKIs)
  • Nephrotoxin co-exposure (platinum chemotherapy, NSAIDs, contrast)
  • Prior immune-related adverse events on checkpoint inhibitors
  • Diabetic or hypertensive nephropathy reducing renal reserve

Prevention

  • Optimize blood-pressure control before and during therapy
  • Hold or dose-modify for >=2+ proteinuria or nephrotic-range proteinuria per VEGF-class precedent
  • Maintain euvolemia and minimize concurrent nephrotoxins, especially with platinum doublets

Renal dose adjustment

Dosed by weight (20 mg/kg IV every 3 weeks) as a monoclonal antibody; no pharmacokinetic renal dose adjustment is defined, and antibodies are not cleared by the kidney. Management is by holding/modifying for renal toxicity (proteinuria, hypertension, AIN) rather than by GFR-based dose reduction. No data in dialysis or severe CKD; use with nephrology input.

Dialyzability & ESKD dosing

Not dialyzable. As a ~150+ kDa IgG bispecific antibody, it is not removed by hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis; timing of dosing around dialysis is irrelevant.

Differential diagnosis

Distinguish VEGF-pathway injury (proteinuria + hypertension, podocyte/endothelial) from checkpoint-inhibitor AIN (subacute creatinine rise, sterile pyuria, steroid-responsive) - the management diverges (drug hold/antihypertensives vs steroids). Also consider concurrent platinum (cisplatin/carboplatin) ATN, contrast-associated AKI, pre-renal azotemia from poor intake, and tumor-related obstruction. Microangiopathic hemolysis points to VEGF-mediated TMA rather than AIN.

Monitoring

  • Urinalysis and urine protein-to-creatinine ratio (UPCR) at baseline and before each cycle
  • Blood pressure at every visit and home monitoring
  • CBC and peripheral smear / LDH if TMA suspected
  • Clinical surveillance for extrarenal immune-related adverse events

Key trials & series

  • HARMONi-A (NCT05184712): ivonescimab + chemotherapy vs chemotherapy in EGFR-mutant TKI-relapsed NSCLC; basis of first approval (PMID 38820549)
  • HARMONi-2 (NCT05499390): ivonescimab vs pembrolizumab in PD-L1+ first-line NSCLC, PFS 11.1 vs 5.8 months (PMID 40057343)
  • HARMONi-6 (NCT05840016): ivonescimab + chemo vs tislelizumab + chemo in first-line squamous NSCLC (PMID 41125109)
  • Phase 1a/1b dose-finding and first-in-human safety (PMID 38642937, 37879536)

Clinical pearls

  • One molecule, two distinct renal mechanisms - read the urine: proteinuria + hypertension = VEGF arm; rising creatinine with sterile pyuria = checkpoint AIN arm. They are managed differently.
  • No GFR-based dose adjustment and not dialyzable - it is an IgG antibody, so renal handling does not drive dosing.
  • ACEi/ARB are first-line for VEGF-pathway proteinuria and hypertension; reserve corticosteroids for biopsy-supported or strongly suspected immune AIN.

Anticancer mechanism

Tetravalent humanized bispecific IgG that simultaneously blocks PD-1/PD-L1 (relieving T-cell immunosuppression) and sequesters VEGF-A (blocking VEGFR2-driven tumor angiogenesis). Co-targeting produces cooperative avidity-driven binding enriched in the VEGF-rich tumor microenvironment.

Note

This profile is grounded in the ivonescimab registrational program. Renal toxicity is inferred from trial-reported VEGF-related and immune-related adverse-event categories plus VEGF-inhibitor/checkpoint-inhibitor class biology.

Guidelines & consensus

Each recommendation below is this atlas's faithful summary of the source, not a quotation from it — follow the PubMed link for the wording the society published. Summaries may be superseded; consult the current full text and individualize to the patient.

  • ASON (2025) — Diagnosis and management of immune checkpoint inhibitor-associated nephrotoxicity: a position statement from the American Society of Onco-nephrologyICI-AKI most commonly presents as acute interstitial nephritis; nephrology consultation and kidney biopsy should be considered for stage 2 or higher AKI or suspected glomerular disease, but where biopsy is not feasible, prompt empiric corticosteroids (prednisone ~1 mg/kg/day) should be started for clinically suspected ICI-AKI since early steroids improve renal recovery, with cautious individualized consideration of ICI rechallenge after recovery.Kidney Int · PMID 39455026
  • ASCO (2021) — Management of Immune-Related Adverse Events in Patients Treated With Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy: ASCO Guideline UpdateFor grade 2 or higher ICI-related nephritis/AKI, hold the ICI, exclude alternative causes, and initiate corticosteroids (prednisone 0.5-1 mg/kg/day for grade 2, 1-2 mg/kg/day for grade 3-4) tapered over 4-6 weeks once creatinine improves; permanently discontinue for grade 4 toxicity.J Clin Oncol · PMID 34724392
  • ESMO (2022) — Management of toxicities from immunotherapy: ESMO Clinical Practice Guideline for diagnosis, treatment and follow-upFor ICI-related AKI, exclude alternative etiologies and stop concomitant nephrotoxins (PPIs, NSAIDs); ESMO permits continuing the ICI for stage 1 AKI with monitoring, but recommends withholding the ICI and starting corticosteroids for stage 2 or higher nephritis, escalating immunosuppression for steroid-refractory disease.Ann Oncol · PMID 36270461
  • SITC (2021) — Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) clinical practice guideline on immune checkpoint inhibitor-related adverse eventsGrade ICI-related AKI by CTCAE; for persistent grade 2 or higher renal toxicity, discontinue the ICI, exclude other causes, and treat with corticosteroids with a taper begun once creatinine improves toward grade 1, considering kidney biopsy and additional immunosuppression for refractory cases.J Immunother Cancer · PMID 34172516
  • IC-OS (2026) — Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor-Associated Cardiovascular Toxic Effects: International Cardio-Oncology Society Position StatementConcerns for myocarditis continue to dominate the spectrum of CV toxic effects in patients receiving ICI therapy. Recommendations for management vary according to severity. Multidisciplinary collaborations remain key for managing acute toxic effects and future cancer treatment decisions, including ICI rechallenge.JAMA Oncol · PMID 41231466
  • EULAR (2021) — EULAR points to consider for the diagnosis and management of rheumatic immune-related adverse events due to cancer immunotherapy with checkpoint inhibitorsOncologists should be encouraged to consult rheumatologists promptly for assessment when rheumatic musculoskeletal and systemic signs or symptoms are suspected due to immunotherapy, and rheumatologists should provide facilitated access for such patients.Ann Rheum Dis · PMID 32327425
  • ASCO (2018) — Management of Immune-Related Adverse Events in Patients Treated With Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy: American Society of Clinical Oncology Clinical Practice GuidelineWithhold the checkpoint inhibitor and start corticosteroids for grade 2 or higher immune-related renal toxicity after excluding other causes of AKI, with steroid taper as renal function recovers and permanent discontinuation for severe (grade 4) events.J Clin Oncol · PMID 29442540
  • PUMCH Expert Panel (2020) — Clinical recommendations on diagnosis and treatment of immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced renal immune-related adverse eventsScreen and monitor with serum creatinine, urinalysis/sediment, and 24-hour urine protein; strongly recommend kidney biopsy to confirm ICI-related ATIN and exclude other AKI causes, withdraw nephrotoxins (PPIs, NSAIDs), and initiate corticosteroids when a grade 2 or higher renal irAE is highly suspected, with multidisciplinary decisions on ICI withdrawal and rechallenge.Thorac Cancer · PMID 32232975
  • ADQI (2026) — Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor-Associated Acute Kidney Injury: A Report from the 34th Acute Disease Quality Initiative (ADQI) Consensus ConferenceAKI occurs in up to 20% of ICI-treated patients with ICI-AKI accounting for roughly 2-5% of cases, and acute tubulointerstitial nephritis dominates (80-90% of biopsies); no clinical feature reliably separates ICI-AKI from other causes, so kidney biopsy remains the diagnostic gold standard and emerging biomarkers are not yet ready for routine use. Early glucocorticoid initiation (within 3 days of diagnosis) is associated with higher rates of kidney recovery, and recurrent ICI-AKI occurs in fewer than 20% of rechallenged patients, supporting cautious rechallenge in selected patients with individualized multidisciplinary decisions for transplant recipients and other high-risk groups.J Am Soc Nephrol · PMID 42536415
  • ADQI (2026) — The nephrotoxic effects of anti-cancer therapies: consensus report of the 34th Acute Disease Quality Initiative workgroupProvides expert-based statements (modified Delphi) on preventing and managing cisplatin/platinum-associated AKI, including isotonic IV hydration, attention to volume status and concomitant nephrotoxins, and incorporates evidence that IV magnesium supplementation may reduce cisplatin-associated AKI; emphasizes risk stratification and standardized AKI definitions.Nat Rev Nephrol · PMID 41361704
  • SIRM (2022) — SIRM-SIN-AIOM: appropriateness criteria for evaluation and prevention of renal damage in the patient undergoing contrast medium examinations-consensus statements from Italian College of Radiology (SIRM), Italian College of Nephrology (SIN) and Italian Association of Medical Oncology (AIOM)Recommends eGFR-based renal risk assessment and pre/post-contrast isotonic saline or sodium bicarbonate hydration; advises maintaining a 5-7 day interval between iodinated contrast administration and cisplatin in cancer patients to reduce additive nephrotoxicity.Radiol Med · PMID 35303246
  • KDIGO (2020) — KDIGO Controversies Conference on onco-nephrology: understanding kidney impairment and solid-organ malignancies, and managing kidney cancerIdentifies platinum compounds (especially cisplatin) as leading cytotoxic causes of acute tubular injury, AKI, and electrolyte/magnesium wasting; calls for interdisciplinary onco-nephrology care, accurate GFR estimation, and individualized drug dosing in patients with reduced kidney function.Kidney Int · PMID 33126977
  • KDIGO (2020) — KDIGO Controversies Conference on onco-nephrology: kidney disease in hematological malignancies and the burden of cancer after kidney transplantationAddresses chemotherapy-associated AKI/CKD in hematologic cancer, GFR estimation and chemotherapy dosing in patients with reduced kidney function, and management priorities and research gaps for onco-nephrology care.Kidney Int · PMID 33276867
  • ADDIKD (2025) — Integrating International Consensus Guidelines for Anticancer Drug Dosing in Kidney Dysfunction (ADDIKD) into everyday practiceProvides GRADE-based, drug-specific dose-adjustment recommendations for anticancer agents in kidney dysfunction (illustrated for methotrexate, cisplatin, carboplatin and nivolumab); the recommendations build on Part 1's standardised CKD-EPI eGFR assessment rather than Cockcroft-Gault creatinine clearance.EClinicalMedicine · PMID 40290844
  • ADDIKD (2025) — Aligning kidney function assessment in patients with cancer to global practices in internal medicineThree consensus recommendations: assess kidney function by GFR (measured GFR or CKD-EPI eGFR), classify it using KDIGO categories, and use this uniform approach to dose anticancer drugs — moving cancer medicine away from Cockcroft-Gault estimated creatinine clearance.EClinicalMedicine · PMID 40290845
  • ADDIKD (2025) — A methodology for determining dosing recommendations for anticancer drugs in patients with reduced kidney functionEstablishes that, where RCT evidence is lacking, anticancer drug dosing recommendations in kidney dysfunction should be derived by critically appraising observational literature via GRADE combined with structured international multidisciplinary consensus voting.EClinicalMedicine · PMID 40290846
  • KDIGO (2013) — Diagnosis, evaluation, and management of acute kidney injury: a KDIGO summary (Part 1)Defines/stages AKI by serum creatinine and urine output; emphasizes avoiding nephrotoxins, maintaining euvolemia/perfusion, dose-adjusting drugs to kidney function, and monitoring high-risk patients — the framework applied to nephrotoxic anti-cancer agents.Crit Care · PMID 23394211
  • KDIGO (2024) — Executive summary of the KDIGO 2024 Clinical Practice Guideline for the Evaluation and Management of Chronic Kidney Disease: known knowns and known unknownsEvaluate and risk-stratify CKD, manage to delay progression and its complications, and practise explicit medication management and drug stewardship — the framework the atlas's G1–G5 eGFR banding and every renal dose-adjustment recommendation sit inside. Because the guideline excludes dialysis and transplant recipients by its own statement of scope, its recommendations do not carry to those settings, where this atlas's dialyzability and post-transplant guidance rests on other sources.Kidney Int · PMID 38519239
  • KDIGO (2021) — Executive summary of the KDIGO 2021 Guideline for the Management of Glomerular DiseasesProvides the staging/treatment framework for drug-associated glomerular lesions (e.g., bisphosphonate- and interferon-related collapsing FSGS, VEGF-inhibitor podocytopathy/proteinuria), including immunosuppression and supportive RAAS-blockade strategies.Kidney Int · PMID 34556300
  • KDIGO (2024) — Executive summary of the KDIGO 2024 Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of ANCA-Associated VasculitisUpdates immunosuppressive induction (rituximab/cyclophosphamide), incorporates avacopan and lower-dose or glucocorticoid-sparing regimens — the management framework for drug- and checkpoint-inhibitor-associated ANCA/pauci-immune glomerulonephritis.Kidney Int · PMID 38388147
  • KDIGO (2024) — Executive summary of the KDIGO 2024 Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Lupus NephritisUpdates first-line lupus nephritis therapy to combination immunosuppression with the addition of belimumab or a calcineurin inhibitor (voclosporin) — informs management of immune-complex/lupus-like glomerulonephritis encountered with immunotherapy.Kidney Int · PMID 38182299
  • KDIGO (2025) — Executive summary of the KDIGO 2025 Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Immunoglobulin A Nephropathy (IgAN) and Immunoglobulin A Vasculitis (IgAV)Encourages liberal kidney biopsy and stricter proteinuria control (<0.5 g/d, ideally <0.3 g/d) with RAAS blockers, SGLT2 inhibitors, and targeted-release budesonide — the framework for IgA-dominant glomerular lesions, including those triggered by immune-modulating cancer therapy.Kidney Int · PMID 40975525

References

5 peer-reviewed references. Citation metadata via PubMed / NLM.

  1. 1.Ivonescimab Plus Chemotherapy in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer With EGFR Variant: A Randomized Clinical TrialFang W et al. · JAMA · 2024 · PMID 38820549
  2. 2.Ivonescimab versus pembrolizumab for PD-L1-positive non-small cell lung cancer (HARMONi-2): a randomised, double-blind, phase 3 study in ChinaXiong A et al. · Lancet · 2025 · PMID 40057343
  3. 3.Ivonescimab plus chemotherapy versus tislelizumab plus chemotherapy as first-line treatment for advanced squamous non-small-cell lung cancer (HARMONi-6): a randomised, double-blind, phase 3 trialChen Z et al. · Lancet · 2025 · PMID 41125109
  4. 4.Ivonescimab: First ApprovalDhillon S · Drugs · 2024 · PMID 39073550
  5. 5.Phase 1a dose escalation study of ivonescimab (AK112/SMT112), an anti-PD-1/VEGF-A bispecific antibody, in patients with advanced solid tumorsFrentzas S et al. · Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer · 2024 · PMID 38642937
Educational monograph from NephTox (nephtox.com). Not medical advice — verify against current guidelines before any clinical decision.