ChemoCentryx has initiated a phase II clinical trial for CCX168, an orally-administered small molecule for the treatment of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV), a disease which can lead to renal and pulmonary failure.  CCX168 specifically targets the C5a receptor (C5aR), a potent pro-inflammatory mediator that is involved in AAV as well as several other autoimmune diseases.  This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial will evaluate the safety and tolerability of CCX168 in patients with ANCA-associated renal vasculitis while assessing the potential for reducing or eliminating the use of corticosteroids in these patients.