Vera Therapeutics has introduced Atacicept, a breakthrough therapy for Immunoglobulin A Nephropathy (IgAN).
Atacicept is an investigational recombinant fusion protein that incorporates the soluble transmembrane activator and calcium-modulating cyclophilin ligand interactor (TACI) receptor.
This receptor binds to the cytokines B-cell activating factor (BAFF) and A proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL), which are members of the tumour necrosis factor family. These cytokines promote B-cell survival and autoantibody production, contributing to autoimmune diseases such as IgAN and lupus nephritis.
The Phase 2b ORIGIN clinical trial (NCT04716231) is a global, multicenter, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study assessing the safety and efficacy of atacicept in 116 patients with IgAN.
These patients have persistent proteinuria and remain at high risk of disease progression despite being on a stable regimen of a renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitor (RAASi) for at least 12 weeks at the maximum labelled or tolerated dose.
IgA nephropathy (IgAN), also known as Berger’s disease, is a serious and progressive autoimmune kidney disorder with a significant unmet medical need. The disease is driven by the production of immunogenic galactose-deficient IgA1 (Gd-IgA1), which triggers the formation of autoantibodies.
These autoantibodies bind to Gd-IgA1, forming pathogenic immune complexes that become trapped in the glomeruli of the kidneys. This entrapment leads to inflammation and progressive kidney damage.
Atacicept, targeting B cells and plasma cells to reduce autoantibodies, has demonstrated best-in-class potential. It has been administered to more than 1,500 patients in clinical studies across various indications.
