Vera Therapeutics is set to host an in-person and virtual R&D Day in New York on October 2, 2024, to detail the expanded research and development activities for atacicept beyond its current clinical programs. The event will feature key opinion leaders and company management discussing potential new indications for the drug in serious immunological diseases.
Expert Insights on Atacicept's Potential
The R&D Day will include presentations and discussions with leading experts in nephrology and immunology. Jonathan Barratt (University of Leicester), Richard Lafayette (Stanford University Medical Center), and Brad Rovin (Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center) will join Vera Therapeutics' management team to provide insights into atacicept's mechanism of action and potential clinical applications.
Anticipated Data from ORIGIN Phase 2b Study
The event is scheduled in advance of the anticipated release of 96-week data from the Phase 2b ORIGIN study of atacicept in patients with immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN). These data, expected in Q4 2024, will provide further insights into the long-term efficacy and safety of atacicept in this patient population.
FDA Breakthrough Therapy Designation for IgAN
Atacicept has already received Breakthrough Therapy Designation from the FDA for the treatment of IgAN. This designation was based on data from the Phase 2b ORIGIN clinical trial, which suggested that atacicept may offer a substantial improvement over available therapies for patients with IgAN, a progressive kidney disease.
About Atacicept
Atacicept is a recombinant fusion protein that blocks both B-cell Activating Factor (BAFF) and A PRoliferation-Inducing Ligand (APRIL). By blocking these cytokines, atacicept aims to reduce B-cell survival and autoantibody production, which are implicated in the pathogenesis of IgAN and other autoimmune diseases. The Phase 2b ORIGIN trial demonstrated statistically significant and clinically meaningful proteinuria reductions and stabilization of eGFR versus placebo through 36 weeks. The safety profile during the randomized period was comparable between atacicept and placebo. Through 72 weeks, atacicept demonstrated further reductions in Gd-IgA1, hematuria, and proteinuria, as well as stabilization of eGFR reflecting a profile consistent with that of the general population without IgAN.
