Lupus Therapeutics on Positive Phase 3 PHOENYCS GO Data in Moderate-to-Severe Lupus

Lupus Therapeutics, affiliated with the Lupus Research Alliance (LRA), has shared its optimism regarding the Phase 3 PHOENYCS GO trial data presented by UCB and Biogen at the ACR Convergence 2024. The trial assessed the efficacy and safety of dapirolizumab pegol (DZP) in patients with moderate-to-severe systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

According to the sponsors, DZP achieved the primary endpoint, showing both statistically and clinically significant improvements across all organ systems measured by BICLA, which evaluates disease activity. Participants treated with DZP experienced a 50% reduction in severe disease flares compared to those receiving standard care alone.

Stacie Bell, PhD, Executive Vice President of Lupus Therapeutics, commented on the trial's results, highlighting the significant improvement in SLE disease activity. She noted that dapirolizumab pegol, which inhibits the CD40 ligand—a critical component of the immune response—provides a novel approach to targeting the underlying mechanisms of lupus, thus setting it apart from existing treatments.

Lupus Therapeutics expressed pride in collaborating with UCB and Biogen for this study, utilizing their clinical expertise and the support of the Lupus Clinical Investigators Network (LuCIN) clinical sites. The organization is hopeful that these positive outcomes will contribute to a new treatment option for individuals living with SLE.

Based on the success of this trial, UCB and Biogen plan to launch a second Phase 3 trial of dapirolizumab pegol, PHOENYCS FLY, in 2024.