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How does Empaveli work?

Medically reviewed by Carmen Pope, BPharm. Last updated on Aug 1, 2025.

Official Answer by Drugs.com

Empaveli works by targeting the complement system, a key part of our immune system that helps clear damaged cells and fight infections. It binds to complement protein C3, preventing it from splitting into harmful fragments (C3a and C3b).

For adults with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), this stops both intravascular hemolysis (red blood cell destruction in circulation) and extravascular hemolysis (breakdown in spleen/liver). Empaveli is the only C3-targeting treatment preventing both forms of red blood cell destruction.

For adults and children 12 years and older with C3 glomerulopathy (C3G) or primary immune-complex membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (IC-MPGN), blocking C3 prevents toxic protein deposits in the kidneys, reducing inflammation and organ damage.

Empaveli is used to treat adults with PNH, or to reduce proteinuria in adults and children 12 years and older with C3G or IC-MPGN. It is self-administered by subcutaneous infusion using an infusion pump or the on-body Empaveli injector.

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