Dapirolizumab pegol

Biogen and UCB on Tuesday shared an expanded dataset for their Phase 3 lupus program, which they said two months ago succeeded in a pivotal trial. In the 321-patient study, dapirolizumab pegol achieved a 49.5% response rate after 48 weeks when combined with the standard of care, compared to a 34.6% response rate from the standard of care alone. The difference between the trial arms was statistically significant with a p-value of 0.0110, Biogen said. The drug also succeeded on several secondary endpoints, including the rates at which patients tapered off their corticosteroids. There were 156 patients whose steroid use was above 7.5 mg per day, and 72.4% who took dapirolizumab pegol reduced their steroid use by week 48 to at most 7.5 mg per day, compared to 52.9% in the standard of care arm. The nominal p-value was 0.0404. Additionally, there was a higher rate of serious side effects in the standard of care group — 9.9% of patients who took dapirolizumab pegol reported side effects, compared to 14.8% in the standard of care group. Coming off the surprising topline win in September, the results help establish the case for continuing the program after it failed a Phase 2 study in 2018. At the time, dapirolizumab pegol had only been slated for one Phase 3 study instead of the requisite two needed for FDA approval. But with the success this week, planning for another trial is already in progress. Most of the details remain a secret, Biogen immunology chief Diana Gallagher told Endpoints News , but the study is expected to start before the end of the year and will run for another 48 weeks. “It’ll have a lot of similarities to what we’ve done before,” she said. In the Phase 3 study, researchers evaluated patients’ responses using a composite lupus symptom score called British Isles Lupus Assessment Group-based Composite Lupus Assessment, or BICLA for short. A higher response rate is associated with improved symptoms across all affected organs from baseline measurements, Biogen said. The standard of care for lupus has remained largely static over many decades, with the two most commonly used treatments being steroids: hydroxychloroquine and prednisone, according to Duke University rheumatologist and the study’s principal investigator Megan Clowse. But the former is typically used in only the most severe cases to prevent death, while the latter comes with “terrible” side effects. “The real unmet need for patients living with lupus is, number one, being able to get away from chronic prednisone use,” Clowse said. There have been two approvals since 2011 in lupus — one for GSK’s Benlysta, and another for AstraZeneca’s Saphnelo. They have helped somewhat, but their impact is still limited, Clowse said. If dapirolizumab pegol gets past the finish line, it will continue to help patients control their inflammatory symptoms for longer periods of time and won’t “require six horse pills every day,” she said, referring to steroids. Much of the recent buzz around lupus R&D has dealt with CD19-targeting CAR-T. Dapirolizumab pegol takes a different approach, inhibiting CD40L signaling, according to Biogen. It’s hard to make a direct comparison to studies because the only published CAR-T data in lupus are in academic settings from a small number of extremely sick patients, according to Biogen’s Gallagher. But there will still be space for dapirolizumab pegol in the market, given that CD40L inhibition is not a currently available option for lupus patients, she added. “It’s pretty profound,” Gallagher said. “You really hit B cells, T cells. It really resets immunologically, but it’s well-tolerated based on our available data.”

Sixteen presentations of preclinical studies funded by the Lupus Research Alliance (LRA) to advance understanding of lupus and potential treatment pathways, including four oral presentations Two reports by Lupus Therapeutics, the clinical affiliate of the LRA, and the Lupus Clinical Investigators Network (LuCIN) on promoting equity in lupus clinical trials, and identifying trial barriers and solutions Fifteen industry-sponsored clinical research studies supported by Lupus Therapeutics and LuCIN, including positive results from the late-breaking Phase 3 dapirolizumab pegol trial NEW YORK, Nov. 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Lupus Research Alliance (LRA), the largest private funder of lupus research worldwide, today announced that a total of 33 studies, funded by the organization or supported by its clinical research affiliate Lupus Therapeutics, will be presented at ACR Convergence 2024. The annual meeting of the American College of Rheumatology takes place November 14-19, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. The LRA, which seeks to accelerate the discovery and development of patient-centered treatments and diagnostics, pursues strategies to spur advancements from "bench to bedside." LRA-supported studies presented at ACR Convergence 2024 represent the full continuum of lupus research, from foundational research exploring new avenues of knowledge, to clinical trials evaluating potential new treatments. "ACR Convergence 2024 is met with pride and excitement by the Lupus Research Alliance and Lupus Therapeutics – pride in seeing the fruits of our funding and other initiatives to accelerate drug discovery and development, and excitement as we stand on the precipice of some important advancements," said LRA President and CEO Albert T. Roy. "There are more trials in mid-to-late-stage development than ever before, including dapirolizumab pegol in Phase 3 from UCB/Biogen, a Lupus Therapeutics partner. And we are gratified to witness the volume of CAR T cell therapy approaches in clinical development, having invested in 2014 in early research suggesting this approach as a promising intervention to explore for treating lupus," Roy added. Foundational Research Funded by the LRA Sixteen studies of LRA-funded research (four oral presentations and 12 posters) will be presented. Several focus on Childhood-Onset Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (cSLE), including: a detailed characterization of the disease; the effects of fatigue on pediatric patients' mental and physical health; and the discovery of Anti-Mitochondrial Antibodies (AMA), which are linked to higher disease activity. Other studies include: the development of a precision immunotherapy to target harmful B cells in Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS) patients; the discovery of innate signaling pathways crucial in causing inflammation in lupus patients; and the epidemiology of strokes in children and adults with lupus. ORAL PRESENTATIONS Saturday, Nov. 16 Abstract #0837: Bispecific Autoantigen-T Cell Engagers (BaiTE) to Selectively Target Autoreactive B Cells in Antiphospholipid Syndrome 3:00-3:15 PM, Room 103AB Sunday, Nov. 17 Abstract #1702: Placental Developmental Defects in a Humanized-TLR8 Mouse Model of Spontaneous Anti-Phospholipid Antibody Induced Pregnancy Loss 3:15-3:30 PM , Room 103AB Monday, Nov. 18 Xist and XChromosome Inactivation in Female Biased Autoimmunity 9:00-9:30 AM, Room 145AB Abstract #2625: Brain Injury Markers Correlate with Impaired Executive Function and Disease Activity in Children with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus 3:30-3:45 PM, Room 202AB POSTERS Saturday, Nov. 16 Poster Session A, 10:30 AM-12:30 PM, Poster Hall: Abstract #0091: Targeting Endothelial Dysfunction in Lupus Nephritis: Effect of Sepiapterin, a Drug That Restores Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase Function, in a Murine Model of Lupus Nephritis Abstract #0098: Anti-HSP90α as a Protective Natural Antibody Against Secondary Antiphospholipid Syndrome in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Sunday, Nov. 17 Poster Session B, 10:30 AM-12:30 PM , Poster Hall: Abstract #1266: Anti-Mitochondrial Antibodies Associate with Disease Activity and IFNα Expression in Childhood-onset Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Abstract #1273: An Investigation of Traumatic Events and Mental Health in cSLE Abstract #1274: Comparing Performance-Based Measures and Self-Reported Questionnaires for Assessment of Executive Function for Youth with Childhood-Onset Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Abstract #1278: The Effects of Fatigue on Self-Reported Mental and Physical Health in Childhood-Onset Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Cross-Sectional Study Abstract #1279: Cerebrovascular Accidents in Pediatric and Adult Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Comparison of Epidemiology and Outcomes Abstract #1280: Abnormal Cortical Gyrification Patterns in Adolescents with Childhood-onset SLE: Early Associations with Perceived Fatigue Abstract #1504: Novel Analytes Associated with Cognitive Impairment in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Serum S100A8/A9, MMP-9 and IL-6 Abstract #1506: Cognitive Impairment Prevalence and Most Affected Domains in Patients with SLE by the ACR Comprehensive Neuropsychological Battery Monday, Nov. 18 Poster Session C, 10:30 AM-12:30 PM, Poster Hall: Abstract #1788: Memory B Cell Activation and Dysregulation in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Abstract #2380: Characterizing SLE Patients into Type 1 and Type 2 Disease States: Insights from a Single Lupus Cohort Research Conducted by Lupus Therapeutics and the Lupus Clinical Investigators Network (LuCIN) Lupus Therapeutics, the clinical affiliate of the Lupus Research Alliance, oversees the Lupus Clinical Investigators Network (LuCIN), consisting of 50+ premier, leading medical research institutions in North America, comprised of 200+ providers with expertise in lupus care and clinical trials. The following studies are based on annual surveys of LuCIN investigators and research teams on promoting equity in lupus clinical trials and identifying trial barriers and solutions. POSTERS Saturday, Nov. 16 Abstract 0180: Collaborative Solutions to Lupus Trial Challenges for Underrepresented Participant Recruitment & Engagement: Perspectives from the Lupus Clinical Investigators Network (LuCIN) Poster Session A, 10:30 AM-12:30 PM, Poster Hall Sunday, Nov. 17 Abstract #1039: Through the LuCIN Lens: Defining Barriers and Forging Solutions for Lupus Clinical Trials in North America Poster Session B, 10:30 AM-12:30 PM, Poster Hall Clinical Research Supported by Lupus Therapeutics and LuCIN The primary goal of Lupus Therapeutics and LuCIN is to accelerate and enhance the quality of lupus clinical trials through clinical expertise, advisory services, patient engagement and partnership/collaboration with biopharmaceutical companies and research partners. Lupus Therapeutics and LuCIN are involved in nearly 25% of active lupus clinical trials. Fifteen Lupus Therapeutics/LuCIN-supported programs and collaborations are being presented at ACR Convergence 2024: ORAL PRESENTATIONS Sunday, Nov. 17 Abstract #1773: Safety and Efficacy of CABA-201, a Fully Human, Autologous 4-1BB Anti-CD19 CAR T Cell Therapy in Patients with Immune-Mediated Necrotizing Myopathy and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus from the RESET-MyositisTM and RESET-SLETM Clinical Trials 3:30-3:45 PM, Room 145AB Monday, Nov. 18 Abstract #2577: Efficacy and Safety of ABBV-599 (Elsubrutinib and Upadacitinib Combination) and Upadacitinib Monotherapy for the Treatment of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Results Through 104 Weeks in a Long-Term Extension Study 1:30-1:45 PM, Room 146AB Abstract #2580: Safety and Efficacy of Subcutaneous Ianalumab (VAY736) for up to 68 Weeks in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Results from Phase 2 Study 2:15-2:30 PM Room 146AB Tuesday, Nov. 19 ***LATE-BREAKING ABSTRACT*** Abstract #L16: Dapirolizumab Pegol Demonstrated Significant Improvement in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity: Efficacy and Safety Results of a Phase 3 Trial 8:00-9:30 AM, 146AB POSTERS Saturday, Nov. 16 Poster Session A, 10:30 AM-12:30 PM, Poster Hall: Abstract #0087: SYNCAR: An Engineered IL-2/IL-2R-system That Selectively Enhances CD19 CAR T Cells to Deplete B Cells and Provide Therapeutic Benefit in SLE and RA Mouse Models Without Lymphodepletion Abstract #0324: Correlative Studies of CABA-201, a Fully Human, Autologous 4-1BB Anti-CD19 CAR T Cell Therapy in Patients with Immune-Mediated Necrotizing Myopathy and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus from the RESET-MyositisTM and RESET-SLETM Clinical Trials Abstract #0620: Clinical Efficacy and Patient-Reported Outcomes in Anti-Ro/Sjögren's Syndrome–Related Antigen a Antibody–Positive Patients with Active SLE Treated With Deucravacitinib in the Phase 2 PAISLEY Trial Abstract #0659: Obinutuzumab Benefits Patients with Active Lupus Nephritis Irrespective of Baseline Proteinuria Severity: A Post Hoc Analysis of a Phase II Trial Abstract #0662: Deucravacitinib, a First-in-Class, Oral, Selective, Allosteric Tyrosine Kinase 2 Inhibitor, in SLE: Efficacy by Baseline Demographics and Disease Characteristics in the Phase 2 PAISLEY Trial Abstract #0671: Effect of Litifilimab on Cutaneous Lupus Disease Area and Severity Index–Activity (CLASI-A) Subcomponents and Physician Global Assessment–Skin (PGA–Skin) in Patients with Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus (CLE) in a Phase 2 Study Sunday, Nov. 17 Poster Session B, 10:30 AM-12:30 PM, Poster Hall: Abstract #1496: Dysregulated Serum Cytokines in Association with Clinical Manifestations in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Abstract #1552: Kinetics of Mucocutaneous and Musculoskeletal Responses to Deucravacitinib in Patients with Active SLE in the Phase 2 PAISLEY Trial Abstract #1553: Safety, Pharmacokinetics, Clinical Efficacy and Exploratory Biomarker Results from a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Phase 1b Study of Enpatoran in Active Systemic and Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus (SLE/CLE) Monday, Nov. 18 Poster Session C, 10:30 AM-12:30 PM, Poster Hall: Abstract #2425: Ianalumab Induced Durable Depletion of Circulating B Cell Subsets and Associated Changes in B Cell and Neutrophil Transcriptomic and Proteomic Profiles in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: 52-Week Treatment Results from a Phase 2 Trial Abstract #2430: Dapirolizumab Pegol Impacts Important Immunologic Pathways in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Pharmacodynamic Analysis of T Cell and Antigen Presenting Cell Pathways from a Phase 2b Trial About Lupus Lupus is a chronic, complex autoimmune disease that affects millions of people worldwide. In lupus, the immune system, meant to defend against infections, produces autoantibodies that mistake the body's own cells as foreign, causing other immune cells to attack organs such as the kidneys, brain, heart, lungs and skin, as well as blood and joints. Ninety percent of people with lupus are women, most often diagnosed between the ages of 15-45. Black, Latinx, Indigenous, Asian and Pacific Islander people are disproportionately affected by lupus and more likely to experience severe lupus symptoms. About the Lupus Research Alliance The Lupus Research Alliance is the largest non-governmental, non-profit funder of lupus research worldwide. The organization aims to transform treatment by funding the most innovative lupus research, fostering diverse scientific talent, and driving discovery toward better diagnostics, improved treatments and ultimately a cure for lupus. Because the Lupus Research Alliance's Board of Directors funds all administrative and fundraising costs, 100% of all donations goes to support lupus research programs. For more information, please visit the LRA at LupusResearch.org and on social media at: X, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. About Lupus Therapeutics Lupus Therapeutics, the clinical research affiliate of the Lupus Research Alliance, aims to accelerate the development of curative treatments for all patients living with lupus. Lupus Therapeutics collaborates with premier research institutions, biopharmaceutical partners, and those living with lupus through the unprecedented Lupus Clinical Investigators Network (LuCIN) to drive rapid and meaningful progress in treatment development. The organization elevates the patient voice, engages community stakeholders, and strives for representation of the diverse lupus community in the clinical research process with the most innovative and renowned experts throughout North America. Visit LupusTherapeutics.org for more information. This information is brought to you by the Lupus Research Alliance and is not sponsored by, nor a part of, the American College of Rheumatology. SOURCE Lupus Research Alliance WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM? 440k+ Newsrooms & Influencers 9k+ Digital Media Outlets 270k+ Journalists Opted In GET STARTED