Vera Therapeutics Reports Positive Data for Atacicept in IgAN

Vera Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: VERA) has recently announced the 96-week data from its Origin Phase 2b trial of atacicept in immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) at the American Society of Nephrology Kidney Week 2024. The data showed that kidney function was stabilized through 96 weeks of long-term follow-up. This is a significant development as it supports atacicept's potential to prevent kidney failure in patients with IgAN.

The results demonstrated sustained and substantial reductions in galactose-deficient IgA1 (gd-IgA1), with a -66% reduction observed. Additionally, 75% of participants experienced the resolution of hematuria, and there was a -52% reduction in proteinuria. The mean annualized estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) slope was -0.6 ml/min/1.73m2/year.

Jonathan Barratt, MD, PhD, FRC, Mayer Professor of Renal Medicine at the University of Leicester, stated that the data showed a conversion of patients with IgAN from an eGFR profile of unrelenting decline to a profile consistent with the general population without kidney disease. This is a differentiated and compelling finding, supporting the potential of atacicept to modify the natural history of the disease and prevent kidney failure in patients with IgAN.

Marshall Fordyce, MD, Founder and CEO of Vera Therapeutics, expressed excitement about the long-term efficacy and safety data from the Origin Phase 2b study, further demonstrating atacicept's potential to address the underlying pathogenesis of IgAN. He highlighted that the stabilization of kidney function positions atacicept as a potential best* and first-in-class treatment option for patients with IgAN.

The cumulative generally favorable safety profile of atacicept remained consistent with that observed during the randomized period, with a 90% completion rate of atacicept treatment.

Looking ahead, Vera Therapeutics is on track to announce topline results from the pivotal Phase 3 Origin 3 trial in the second quarter of 2025, with a planned Biologics License Application (BLA) submission to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) later in the year.

Following these announcements, the company's shares moved -1.0%, and are now trading at a price of $46.86. For more information, read the company's full 8-K submission here.

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