Mycophenolate Mofetil

- First two out of three subjects treated with tegoprubart as part of immunosuppression regimen to prevent transplant rejection achieved insulin independence and remain insulin free, with glucose control in the normal range; Third subject was recently transplanted and is on trajectory for insulin independence - Islet engraftment in the first two subjects with tegoprubart estimated three to five times higher than engraftment in three comparable subjects receiving standard of care tacrolimus-based immunosuppression - Treatment with tegoprubart was generally well tolerated - Study data to be presented by UChicago Medicine’s team in oral presentation at the 5th IPITA/HSCI/Breakthrough T1D Stem Cells Summit IRVINE, Calif., Oct. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Eledon Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (“Eledon”) (NASDAQ: ELDN) today announced positive data for the first three islet transplant recipients treated with an immunosuppression regimen that includes tegoprubart, the Company’s investigational anti-CD40L antibody, for prevention of islet transplant rejection in subjects with type 1 diabetes (T1D). The investigator-initiated trial, conducted by the research team at the University of Chicago Medicine’s Transplantation Institute, demonstrated potentially the first human cases of insulin independence achieved using an anti-CD40L monoclonal antibody therapy without the use of tacrolimus, the current standard of care for prevention of transplant rejection. The first two subjects achieved insulin independence and normal hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) levels, a measure of average blood glucose, post-transplant. The third subject, who recently received an islet transplant, decreased insulin use by more than 60% three days following the procedure and continues on an insulin independence trajectory. Subjects on study received islet transplants combined with induction therapy, mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), and tegoprubart, given every third week by intravenous (IV) infusion. The first two subjects achieved insulin independence and presented stable islet graft function at approximately three months and six months post-transplant, respectively. Islet engraftment, measured by graft function standardized to the number of islets infused, was three to five times higher than three comparable subjects outside this study who received tacrolimus-based immunosuppression, suggesting treatment with tegoprubart is less toxic to transplanted islets resulting in improved graft survival and function. Treatment was generally well tolerated in all subjects with no unexpected adverse events or hypoglycemic episodes. After initial islet transplant, the first participant reduced insulin requirements by over 60% and normalized blood glucose control. The first patient then achieved insulin independence approximately two weeks after the second islet transplantation procedure. The data are being featured in an oral presentation at the International Pancreas and Islet Transplantation Association (IPITA), Harvard Stem Cell Institute (HSCI), and Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF) 5th Annual Summit on Stem Cell Derived Islets on Tuesday, October 29, 2024. “We are very pleased that tegoprubart played a pivotal role in yet another landmark advance in transplantation research through the work of Dr. Witkowski, Dr. Fung and their team at UChicago Medicine,” said David-Alexandre C. Gros, M.D., Chief Executive Officer of Eledon. “Following promising results in kidney allotransplant procedures as well as heart and kidney xenograft procedures, these data from subjects following islet transplantation further demonstrate tegoprubart’s potential to protect transplanted organs and cells. Dr. Witkowski’s study also further reinforces prior study results showing that tegoprubart may offer a favorable safety and efficacy profile compared to tacrolimus-based immunosuppression regimens.” “These data are another step in our quest to achieve a path for functional cures in type 1 diabetes,” said Piotr Witkowski, M.D., Ph.D., Director, Pancreas and Islet Transplant Program, UChicago Medicine and one of the study’s lead investigators. “For more than 30 years, we have been looking for options that can deliver target levels of immunosuppression without the side effects associated with standard of care, including toxicity to the kidneys, central nervous system and islet cells, and increased risk of diabetes and hypertension. These data further support tegoprubart as a novel immunosuppression option that can play a central role in advancing islets transplantation as a potentially transformational alternative for subjects with type 1 diabetes.” “Breakthrough T1D is proud to fund and support this research and is encouraged by the tegoprubart study showing that subjects who received islet transplants with a tacrolimus-free immunosuppressive regimen are making insulin again,” said Breakthrough T1D Chief Scientific Officer Sanjoy Dutta, Ph.D. “Islet replacement therapies are a key priority for Breakthrough T1D, and we’re committed to driving research that moves us toward a world where these therapies are available to the broader T1D community. Achieving this goal requires novel approaches to keep transplanted cells functional with a tolerable immunosuppression regimen. These results are an important step toward that goal, and we look forward to seeing additional data.” Efficacy and Safety Results The first participant was a 42-year-old female with a baseline weight of 88 kg/194 lbs (BMI of 30). At 90 days post-transplant, the participant’s HbA1c level improved to 6.0% (from 8.4% at baseline) and daily insulin dose decreased to 16 units per day (from 80 units per day at baseline). After 16 weeks, the participant received a second islet transplant, and approximately two weeks later achieved insulin independence, maintaining improved HbA1c levels of 5.4% afterwards. The second participant was a 30-year-old female with a baseline weight of 50 kg/110 lbs (BMI of 21). This patient stopped insulin support (from 60 units per day at baseline) four weeks after the islet transplant. Her HbA1c levels improved to 5.8% and below (from 8.5% at baseline) starting at seven weeks after the transplant. The third participant was a 37-year-old male with a baseline weight of 92 kg/203 lbs (BMI of 30) with a baseline HbA1C of 9.3%. This patient was discharged home on day three post-transplant, requiring 29 units of insulin (from 90 units per day at baseline). The treatment was generally well tolerated in all subjects with no unexpected adverse events, severe hypoglycemic episodes, or graft rejection. In January 2024, Eledon announced that it would be supplying tegoprubart for this investigator-led clinical trial with the UChicago Medicine Transplantation Institute for pancreatic islet transplantation in subjects with type 1 diabetes (NCT06305286). Tegoprubart is the cornerstone component of the chronic immunosuppressive regimen for trial participants and is being evaluated for the prevention of transplant rejection in the trial. Funding for the study includes grants from Breakthrough T1D (formerly known as JDRF) and The Cure Alliance. About Islet Transplantation for Type 1 Diabetes Pancreatic islet transplantation is a minimally invasive procedure developed to provide blood glucose control for subjects with type 1 diabetes and minimize or eliminate dependence on insulin. During the procedure, pancreatic islets containing insulin-producing beta cells are isolated from the pancreas of a deceased organ donor and infused through a small catheter into the patient’s liver. The islet cells lodge in small blood vessels in the liver and release insulin. Post-procedure, subjects remain on immunosuppression therapy to prevent transplant rejection. About Eledon Pharmaceuticals and tegoprubart Eledon Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a clinical stage biotechnology company that is developing immune-modulating therapies for the management and treatment of life-threatening conditions. The Company’s lead investigational product is tegoprubart, an anti-CD40L antibody with high affinity for the CD40 Ligand, a well-validated biological target that has broad therapeutic potential. The central role of CD40L signaling in both adaptive and innate immune cell activation and function positions it as an attractive target for non-lymphocyte depleting, immunomodulatory therapeutic intervention. The Company is building upon a deep historical knowledge of anti-CD40 Ligand biology to conduct preclinical and clinical studies in kidney allograft transplantation, xenotransplantation, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Eledon is headquartered in Irvine, California. For more information, please visit the Company’s website at www.eledon.com. Follow Eledon Pharmaceuticals on social media: LinkedIn; Twitter Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. Any statements about the company’s future expectations, plans and prospects, including statements about planned clinical trials, the development of product candidates, expected timing for initiation of future clinical trials, expected timing for receipt of data from clinical trials, expected or future results of tegoprubart trials and its ability to prevent rejection in connection with islet cell transplantation or kidney transplantation, as well as other statements containing the words “believes,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “expects,” “estimates,” “intends,” “predicts,” “projects,” “targets,” “looks forward,” “could,” “may,” and similar expressions, constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain and are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including: risks relating to the safety and efficacy of our drug candidates; risks relating to clinical development timelines, including interactions with regulators and clinical sites, as well as patient enrollment; and risks relating to costs of clinical trials and the sufficiency of the company’s capital resources to fund planned clinical trials. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various factors. These risks and uncertainties, as well as other risks and uncertainties that could cause the company’s actual results to differ significantly from the forward-looking statements contained herein, are discussed in our quarterly 10-Q, annual 10-K, and other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, which can be found at www.sec.gov. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date hereof and not of any future date, and the company expressly disclaims any intent to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Investor Contact: Stephen JasperGilmartin Group(858) 525 2047stephen@gilmartinir.com Media Contact: Jenna UrbanBerry & Company Public Relations(212) 253 8881jurban@berrypr.com Source: Eledon Pharmaceuticals

ROCKVILLE, Md. & EDMONTON, Alberta--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aurinia Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ: AUPH) (Aurinia or the Company), announced today the acceptance of six abstracts, including five poster presentations, at the American Society of Nephrology (ASN) Kidney Week 2024 taking place in San Diego, CA October 23-27. These data reinforce the clinical importance of LUPKYNIS ® (voclosporin), a second generation calcineurin inhibitor (CNI), for the treatment of adults with active lupus nephritis (LN). “The data featured at ASN elucidate the critical role LUPKYNIS plays in advancing the treatment of lupus nephritis, especially in populations disproportionately impacted by the disease. We’re particularly excited about moving our ENLIGHT-LN™ registry forward, as clinicians need insights into real-world treatment patterns. Additionally, we continue adding to our growing body of evidence that the unique mechanism of action of LUPKYNIS affects podocytes, resulting in significant impact on kidney health in adults with active LN,” said Dr. Greg Keenan, Chief Medical Officer of Aurinia. New real-world baseline data from ENLIGHT-LN, a U.S.-based prospective, observational registry of adult patients with LN treated with LUPKYNIS This initial analysis of baseline data from 123 patients with biopsy-confirmed LN who are initiating or have initiated treatment with LUPKYNIS within the last 12 months provides a critical foundation for understanding the real-world effectiveness and usage patterns of LUPKYNIS. The subset of patients includes high percentages of Black and Hispanic and/or Latino patients, reflecting the larger population of LN in the US and the communities disproportionately affected by lupus and LN. Two new studies uncover the potential effects of LUPKYNIS on podocytes in LN and idiopathic nephrotic syndrome compared to older treatments A new study explored the impact of cyclosporine A (CsA), tacrolimus (TAC), and LUPKYNIS on podocyte cell biology and biomechanics. Using an integrative approach that combined classical cell biological assay with transcriptomics, quantitative proteomics, and other analyses, the study found that all three therapies modulate podocyte cytoskeletal architecture, but LUPKYNIS enhanced podocyte cytoskeletal stability at lower concentrations than CsA and TAC. Another study investigated the effects of LUPKYNIS in a preclinical model of idiopathic nephrotic syndrome. Results showed that LUPKYNIS significantly improved proteinuria, reduced hypercoagulability, enhanced lipid pro and showed significantly better cell viability and cytoskeletal integrity, in comparison to CsA. Together, these findings highlight the important role that LUPKYNIS plays in preserving kidney function and provide further evidence differentiating LUPKYNIS from first-generation calcineurin inhibitors. Following is the complete guide to Aurinia’s accepted abstracts at ASN 2024: Title: Enlight-LN Registry: Baseline Demographics and Clinical Characteristics of an Initial Cohort of Patients Treated with Voclosporin for Lupus Nephritis in the United States Authors: Niloofar Nobakht, Laura B. Geraldino-Pardilla, Leanna M. Wise, Mohammad Kamgar, Lily Cipolla, Lucy S. Hodge, Keelin Dahl Date: Thursday, October 24, 2024 Time: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. PT Poster Number: TH-PO653 Title: Disease Targeting Properties of Voclosporin in Renal Transplant and Lupus Nephritis Patients Authors: Simon Zhou, Linda M. Rehaume, Ernie Yap, Henry Leher, Lucy Hodge, Robert B. Huizinga Date: Thursday, October 24, 2024 Time: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. PT Poster Number: TH-PO642 Title: Immunologic Changes Over Time in Repeat Kidney Biopsies from the AURORA Studies of Voclosporin in Lupus Nephritis Authors: Samir V. Parikh, Maddalena Bolognesi, Ivana Grbesa, Brad H. Rovin, Giorgio Cattoretti, Vincenzo L’Imperio, Arnon Arazi, Lucy S. Hodge, Ernie Yap Date: Friday, October 25, 2024 Time: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. PT Poster Number: FR-PO839 Title: Integrative Systems Analyses Reveal Calcineurin Inhibitor-Mediated Control of Human Podocyte Biophysics and Physiology Authors: Jacob M. Wright, Anthony Mendoza, Jonathan C. Haydak, Jenny Wong, Linda M. Rehaume, Kirk N. Campbell, Evren U. Azeloglu, Maria Paola Santini Date: Saturday, October 26, 2024 Time: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. PT Poster Number: SD-PO549 Title : Voclosporin Ameliorates Proteinuria and Directly Protects Podocytes in a Model of Non-Inflammatory Glomerular Disease Authors: Yu Kamigaki, Julie A. Dougherty, Amanda P. Waller, Katelyn J. Wolfgang, Linda M. Rehaume, Jennifer L. Cross, Laura E. Biederman, Zackary S. Stevenson, Eman Abdelghani, Bryce A. Kerlin, William E. Smoyer Date: Saturday, October 26, 2024 Time: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. PT Poster Number: SA-PO709 Title : Characterization of Screening Patterns and Identification of Patients with Lupus Nephritis in a Community Rheumatology Setting Authors: Nehad Soloman, Jawad Bilal, Romy Cabacungan, Scott Milligan, Andrew Sharobeem, John Tesser, Henry Leher About Lupus Nephritis Lupus nephritis (LN) is a serious manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a chronic and complex autoimmune disease. LN affects approximately 120,000 people in the U.S. and disproportionately affects women and people of color. People living with LN have high unmet needs and often face significant barriers to optimal care. If poorly controlled, LN can lead to permanent and irreversible tissue damage within the kidney. Medical guidelines recommend that all SLE patients receive routine LN screenings at every visit. Guidelines also note that delaying LN diagnosis has profound prognostic repercussions. Yet, research shows that approximately 50% of SLE patients are not screened for LN and 77% of people with LN go untreated. Aurinia is committed to improving health outcomes for people living with LN by educating patients and providers on the critical need for routine screening and transformative therapies that can help improve health outcomes. About LUPKYNIS LUPKYNIS is a second generation calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) with a dual mechanism of action, acting as an immunosuppressant through inhibition of T-cell activation and cytokine production and promoting podocyte stability in the kidney. The AURORA Clinical Program, comprised of the AURORA 1 pivotal trial and AURORA 2 extension trial, demonstrated the importance of LUPKYNIS plus standard of care to preserve kidney health in patients with active LN without reliance on chronic high-dose glucocorticoids. It is the only clinical program to include three years of LN treatment and follow-up with mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and steroids. About Aurinia Aurinia Pharmaceuticals is a fully integrated biopharmaceutical company focused on delivering therapies to people living with autoimmune diseases with high unmet medical needs. In January 2021, the Company introduced LUPKYNIS ® (voclosporin), the first FDA-approved oral therapy dedicated to the treatment of adult patients with active lupus nephritis. Aurinia is also developing AUR200, a differentiated, potential best-in-class therapy for autoimmune diseases that targets both BAFF (B-cell Activating Factor) and APRIL (A Proliferation-Inducing Ligand). INDICATION AND IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION INDICATION LUPKYNIS is indicated in combination with a background immunosuppressive therapy regimen for the treatment of adult patients with active lupus nephritis (LN). Limitations of Use: Safety and efficacy of LUPKYNIS have not been established in combination with cyclophosphamide. Use of LUPKYNIS is not recommended in this situation. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION BOXED WARNINGS: MALIGNANCIES AND SERIOUS INFECTIONS Increased risk for developing malignancies and serious infections with LUPKYNIS or other immunosuppressants that may lead to hospitalization or death. CONTRAINDICATIONS: LUPKYNIS is contraindicated in patients taking strong CYP3A4 inhibitors because of the increased risk of acute and/or chronic nephrotoxicity, and in patients who have had a serious/severe hypersensitivity reaction to LUPKYNIS or its excipients. WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Lymphoma and Other Malignancies: Immunosuppressants, including LUPKYNIS, increase the risk of developing lymphomas and other malignancies, particularly of the skin. The risk appears to be related to increasing doses and duration of immunosuppression rather than to the use of any specific agent. Serious Infections: Immunosuppressants, including LUPKYNIS, increase the risk of developing bacterial, viral, fungal, and protozoal infections, including opportunistic infections which lead to serious, including fatal outcomes. Nephrotoxicity: LUPKYNIS, like other calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs), may cause acute and/or chronic nephrotoxicity. The risk is increased when CNIs are concomitantly administered with drugs associated with nephrotoxicity. Monitor eGFR regularly. Hypertension: Hypertension is a common adverse reaction of LUPKYNIS therapy and may require antihypertensive therapy. Monitor blood pressure regularly. Neurotoxicity: LUPKYNIS, like other CNIs, may cause a spectrum of neurotoxicities: severe include posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES), delirium, seizure, and coma; others include tremor, paresthesia, headache, and changes in mental status and/or motor and sensory functions. Monitor for neurologic symptoms. Hyperkalemia: Hyperkalemia, which may be serious and require treatment, has been reported with CNIs, including LUPKYNIS. Concomitant use of agents associated with hyperkalemia may increase the risk for hyperkalemia. Monitor serum potassium levels periodically. QTc Prolongation: LUPKYNIS prolongs the QTc interval in a dose-dependent manner when dosed higher than the recommended lupus nephritis therapeutic dose. The use of LUPKYNIS in combination with other drugs that are known to prolong QTc may result in clinically significant QT prolongation. Immunizations: Avoid the use of live attenuated vaccines during treatment with LUPKYNIS. Inactivated vaccines noted to be safe for administration may not be sufficiently immunogenic during treatment with LUPKYNIS. Pure Red Cell Aplasia: Cases of pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) have been reported in patients treated with another CNI immunosuppressant. If PRCA is diagnosed, consider discontinuation of LUPKYNIS. Drug-Drug Interactions: Avoid co-administration of LUPKYNIS and strong CYP3A4 inhibitors or with strong or moderate CYP3A4 inducers. Co-administration of LUPKYNIS with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors is contraindicated. Reduce LUPKYNIS dosage when co-administered with moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors. Avoid use of LUPKYNIS with strong or moderate CYP3A4 inducers. ADVERSE REACTIONS The most common adverse reactions (≥3%) were glomerular filtration rate decreased, hypertension, diarrhea, headache, anemia, cough, urinary tract infection, abdominal pain upper, dyspepsia, alopecia, renal impairment, abdominal pain, mouth ulceration, fatigue, tremor, acute kidney injury, and decreased appetite. SPECIFIC POPULATIONS Pregnancy: Avoid use of LUPKYNIS. Lactation: Consider the mother’s clinical need for LUPKYNIS and any potential adverse effects to the breastfed infant when prescribing LUPKYNIS to a lactating woman. Renal Impairment: LUPKYNIS is not recommended in patients with baseline eGFR ≤45 mL/min/1.73 m 2 unless benefit exceeds risk. If used in this population, reduce LUPKYNIS dose. Hepatic Impairment: For mild or moderate hepatic impairment, reduce LUPKYNIS dose. Avoid use with severe hepatic impairment. Please see Prescribing Information , including Boxed Warning, and Medication Guide for LUPKYNIS. Contacts Media & Investor Inquiries: Andrea Christopher Corporate Communications & Investor Relations Aurinia Pharmaceuticals Inc. achristopher@auriniapharma.com General Investor Inquiries: ir@auriniapharma.com