Lupus

Equillium Presents Positive Data from Phase 1b EQUALISE Study at the 2023 Annual Meeting of the American College of Rheumatology

Retrieved on: 
Monday, November 13, 2023

“It’s important that we saw both early and large reductions in proteinuria,” said Dr.

Key Points: 
  • “It’s important that we saw both early and large reductions in proteinuria,” said Dr.
  • Results are comparable to those observed in the Phase 3 AURORA1 study of voclosporin (ORR 70% at 6 and 12 months in active treatment).
  • Consistent with the decline in UPCR overtime, subjects were able to taper their systemic corticosteroids over the course of the study.
  • The poster presentation is available on the Presentations page of Equillium’s website under the Lupus tab.

Aurinia Pharmaceuticals Announces Collaboration Partner Otsuka Filed New Drug Application (NDA) for LUPKYNIS® (Voclosporin) in Japan

Retrieved on: 
Monday, November 13, 2023

Aurinia Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ: AUPH) (Aurinia or the Company) today announced that the Company’s collaboration partner, Otsuka Pharmaceutical Ltd., filed a new drug application (NDA) for voclosporin for the treatment of lupus nephritis (LN) with the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare for the manufacture and sale in Japan of voclosporin, a second-generation oral calcineurin inhibitor for the treatment of lupus nephritis (LN).

Key Points: 
  • Aurinia Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ: AUPH) (Aurinia or the Company) today announced that the Company’s collaboration partner, Otsuka Pharmaceutical Ltd., filed a new drug application (NDA) for voclosporin for the treatment of lupus nephritis (LN) with the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare for the manufacture and sale in Japan of voclosporin, a second-generation oral calcineurin inhibitor for the treatment of lupus nephritis (LN).
  • LN is a complication of the autoimmune disease systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) that seriously impacts the kidneys.
  • Aurinia and Otsuka entered a collaboration and licensing agreement in December 2020 for the development and commercialization of voclosporin for the treatment of LN in the EU, Japan, the United Kingdom, Russia, Switzerland, Norway, Belarus, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Ukraine.
  • As part of the agreement, Aurinia is eligible to receive a payment of $10 million upon approval in Japan along with low double-digit royalties on net sales once launched.

Alpine Immune Sciences Presents New Translational Data on Acazicolcept in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus at American College of Rheumatology Convergence 2023

Retrieved on: 
Monday, November 13, 2023

Alpine Immune Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ: ALPN), a leading clinical-stage immunotherapy company focused on developing innovative treatments for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, announced today that the Company presented new translational data for acazicolcept (ALPN-101) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) at the American College of Rheumatology Convergence 2023, November 10-15, 2023.

Key Points: 
  • Alpine Immune Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ: ALPN), a leading clinical-stage immunotherapy company focused on developing innovative treatments for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, announced today that the Company presented new translational data for acazicolcept (ALPN-101) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) at the American College of Rheumatology Convergence 2023, November 10-15, 2023.
  • Acazicolcept target-related genes (ICOS, CD80, CD86) are upregulated in the T and B cells of SLE patients compared to healthy adults.
  • Acazicolcept reduces pathogenic hypergammaglobulinemia and glomerular IgG deposition in a mouse model of lupus.
  • Clinical investigation of acazicolcept for the treatment of SLE, such as in our ongoing phase 2 study, Synergy, continues to be supported.”

NKF Launches Educational 'Animated Video Series for Patients with Lupus and Lupus Nephritis'

Retrieved on: 
Monday, December 4, 2023

NEW YORK, Dec. 4, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) has launched a new four-part patient-friendly animated video series to educate and help patients from diverse backgrounds and with varying levels of health literacy better understand the link between systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and lupus nephritis (LN). SLE is a chronic, inflammatory autoimmune disease with the potential to affect all organ systems, including the kidneys. Compared to the general population, patients with SLE and LN have an increased risk of mortality.i, ii The cause of SLE remains unknown, but it may be triggered in genetically susceptible individuals by not yet discovered environmental factors.

Key Points: 
  • Both narration and text are simple and easy to understand; all the videos include animations, music, and colorful graphics.
  • The morbidity and mortality of lupus patients who develop kidney involvement are significantly increased compared to lupus patients without kidney disease.
  • vi Data from the New York City registry showed kidney disease was present in over 50% of the non-white patients.
  • Topics for each animated video include the following: lupus nephritis and the kidneys; diagnosis; lifestyle and wellness; and treatments.

How to Accelerate Lupus Solutions with RWD, Upcoming Webinar Hosted by Xtalks

Retrieved on: 
Monday, December 4, 2023

TORONTO, Dec. 4, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Join this informative webinar to explore lupus solutions and real-world treatment impacts through a discussion on patient aspects and the role of technology in streamlining research efficiency. Lupus is a complex disease with diverse manifestations, limited treatment options and inequitable impact on the affected population. This makes research into patient experience, treatment patterns and long-term clinical outcomes particularly challenging.

Key Points: 
  • In this free webinar, explore lupus solutions and real-world treatment impacts through a discussion on patient aspects and the role of technology in streamlining research efficiency.
  • Attendees will gain insights into key patient-relevant features that should be covered by real-world data (RWD) in lupus.
  • TORONTO, Dec. 4, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Join this informative webinar to explore lupus solutions and real-world treatment impacts through a discussion on patient aspects and the role of technology in streamlining research efficiency.
  • Lupus is a complex disease with diverse manifestations, limited treatment options and inequitable impact on the affected population.

Lupus Research Alliance Gala Raises Millions for Research to Transform Treatment

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, November 21, 2023

NEW YORK, Nov. 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- This year's Lupus Research Alliance (LRA) Breaking Through Gala raised $2 million for lupus research and brought the hope of tremendous progress that's improving lupus treatment while driving to a cure. The annual celebration began with a powerhouse performance and moving tribute to lupus warriors by multi-talented pianist, composer, producer, and Sony Music recording artist Chloe Flower. Emmy Award-winning TV Host and Executive Producer, Tamron Hall, brought her refreshing and relatable voice to emcee the night's program with warmth and compassion.

Key Points: 
  • The annual celebration began with a powerhouse performance and moving tribute to lupus warriors by multi-talented pianist, composer, producer, and Sony Music recording artist Chloe Flower.
  • "Lupus is a complex autoimmune disease that can take years to get diagnosed and disproportionately affects women of color in prevalence and severity.
  • Being here to help raise awareness and funds for the finest research is how we can best help improve the lives of people with lupus," explained Hall.
  • A star of the event, the iconic Empire State Building, brightened the city Sunday night, highlighting the importance of lupus research by lighting up NYC's skyline in the colors of lupus research awareness – purple and red.

Lupus Foundation of America Awards Four Grants to Support and Advance Childhood Lupus Research

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, November 15, 2023

WASHINGTON, Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Lupus Foundation of America (LFA) is pleased to announce four recipients of pediatric lupus research grants under the Michael Jon Barlin Pediatric Lupus Research Program.

Key Points: 
  • WASHINGTON, Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Lupus Foundation of America (LFA) is pleased to announce four recipients of pediatric lupus research grants under the Michael Jon Barlin Pediatric Lupus Research Program.
  • The grants will support researchers in their studies of lupus in children as they address the most urgent challenges in this area of medicine.
  • Established in 2006 with the generous support of the Wallace H. Coulter Foundation, the LFA's Michael Jon Barlin Pediatric Lupus Research Program is the first and only national childhood lupus research program, founded in memory of Michael Jon Barlin who passed away at the age of 24 following a long battle with lupus.
  • The disease can devastate a child's growth and day-to-day life, and even shorten a child's life," said Joy Buie, PhD, MSCR, RN, Vice President of Research, Lupus Foundation of America.

HSS Presents New Reproductive Health Research at the ACR Convergence 2023

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, November 14, 2023

Additional research is planned to assess whether demographics, lifestyle and medical conditions may influence this potential association.

Key Points: 
  • Additional research is planned to assess whether demographics, lifestyle and medical conditions may influence this potential association.
  • This study surveyed women of reproductive age with systemic rheumatic disease about their use of contraceptives.
  • Data were collected on 249 women with reproductive capacity, including 147 with inflammatory arthritis and 102 with lupus-like disorders.
  • This study used data from the electronic health record of patients diagnosed with a rheumatic disease in adolescence, seen at HSS, to look at factors associated with HPV vaccination.

Lupus Foundation of America Awards Scientists for Notable Contributions to Lupus Research

Retrieved on: 
Sunday, November 12, 2023

WASHINGTON, Nov. 12, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Lupus Foundation of America (LFA) is pleased to recognize two leading lupus researchers at the 2023 Evelyn V. Hess Reception.

Key Points: 
  • WASHINGTON, Nov. 12, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Lupus Foundation of America (LFA) is pleased to recognize two leading lupus researchers at the 2023 Evelyn V. Hess Reception.
  • She is the current chair of LuCIN, a network of academic institutions collaborating in the conduct of lupus clinical trials.
  • "As a practicing rheumatologist, I am passionate about lupus research because I see firsthand how this disease disproportionately impacts historically vulnerable communities.
  • Dr. Choi was funded by several career development awards including the Lupus Foundation of America Gary S. Gilkeson Career Development Award, during which she was supervised by her mentor, Dr. Karen Costenbader.

Century Therapeutics and FUJIFILM Cellular Dynamics Announce Licenses for the Development and Commercialization of iPSC-Derived Cell Therapies in Autoimmune and Inflammatory Diseases

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, November 9, 2023

Treatment of autoimmune disease is currently limited to symptom management, and includes correcting resulting deficiencies in the body, along with reducing inflammation and the immune response.

Key Points: 
  • Treatment of autoimmune disease is currently limited to symptom management, and includes correcting resulting deficiencies in the body, along with reducing inflammation and the immune response.
  • iPSCs have the capability to self-renew and differentiate into key cell types, providing regenerative and immune-modulating properties as a treatment modality.
  • These agreements enable further evaluation of Century’s iPSC-derived NK, T cell, and monocyte/macrophage platforms,” said Hy Levitsky, M.D., president of research and development, Century Therapeutics.
  • We are committed to ensuring that iPSC-derived therapeutics realize their full potential, and we look forward to supporting Century Therapeutics’ progress.”