To evaluate the efficacy of the ACE inhibitor ramipril in the treatment of early IgA nephropathy.

Inclusion Criteria:

• biopsy-confirmed IgA nephropathy
• proteinuria less than 0.5 g per day, normal blood pressure, and serum creatinine below 120 µmol/l

Exclusion Criteria:

• pregnant or nursing mother, or women of childbearing potential without an effective method of birth control
• history of myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, or any other medical indication that necessitate the use of ACE inhibitor
• evidence of clinically significant hepatic, gastrointestinal, autoimmune disease
• history of malignancy, drug or alcohol abuse
• participation in any previous trial on ACE inhibitor
• taking other investigational drugs within the past 30 days
• known history of sensitivity / allergy to ACE inhibitor

The above information is not intended to contain all considerations relevant to a patient's potential participation in a clinical trial.