Calliditas Reports Positive Phase III Results for Nefecon, Plans Full FDA Approval Filing in 2023
Key Insights
Calliditas Therapeutics reported positive topline results from Part B of its phase III NefIgArd trial, demonstrating Nefecon (search)'s highly statistically significant benefit over placebo in preserving kidney function over two years.
The trial met its primary endpoint showing improved estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) with 9 months of Nefecon (search) treatment followed by 15 months of drug-free follow-up in patients with primary IgA nephropathy (search).
Based on these longer-term efficacy data, Calliditas plans to file for full FDA approval and support regulatory submissions in Europe and the UK during 2023.
Calliditas Therapeutics AB reported positive topline results from Part B of its phase III NefIgArd trial, demonstrating that Nefecon (search) provides sustained kidney function benefits in patients with primary IgA nephropathy (search). The Swedish biotechnology company's stock surged over 30% to $22.10 in premarket trading following the announcement.
Trial Design and Primary Endpoint Success
The NefIgArd phase III trial evaluated Nefecon (search) in patients with primary IgA nephropathy (search), with Part B providing longer-term data beyond the initial Part A results announced in November 2020. The trial met its primary endpoint, showing Nefecon demonstrated a highly statistically significant benefit over placebo in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) over a two-year period consisting of 9 months of treatment with Nefecon or placebo followed by 15 months of follow-up off drug.
This sustained benefit in kidney function preservation represents a critical clinical milestone for patients with IgA nephropathy (search), commonly known as Berger's disease (search), which is caused by the build-up of immunoglobulin A (search) (IgA) antibodies in the kidneys.
Regulatory Strategy and Commercial Status
Based on the Part B efficacy data, Calliditas plans to file for full FDA approval and support filing for full approval with the European Commission and UK MHRA during 2023. The drug currently holds accelerated approval status in the United States, granted by the FDA in December 2021 based on Part A trial data.
Nefecon (search) is marketed under the brand name Tarpeyo in the U.S., where it represents the first and only FDA-approved treatment for IgA nephropathy (search). The drug is indicated for the reduction of proteinuria in adults with primary IgA nephropathy (search) at risk of rapid disease progression. In Europe, the drug is available under the brand name Kinpeygo in the EEA, Switzerland, and the UK.
Market Potential and Financial Position
Tarpeyo has commenced commercial sales in the United States as Calliditas's first commercial product. Industry analysts project the drug has potential to achieve peak sales of $1 billion. The company reported a cash position of $130 million as of November 18, 2021.
The drug is currently under review by the European Medicines Agency (search), with a CHMP opinion expected in the current quarter. Calliditas stock has traded in a range of $10.82 to $22.70 over the past year, closing Friday's trading at $16.83.