Aurinia Pharmaceuticals Inc. announced the submission of its Investigational New Drug application (IND) to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for AUR200, a potential next generation therapy for B-cell mediated autoimmune diseases. Upon receiving FDA clearance to proceed with proposed research, Aurinia plans to initiate a Phase 1 study in the first half of 2024 to evaluate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of AUR200 in healthy volunteers. AUR200 is a highly potent and specific Fc-fusion protein containing a modified B cell maturation antigen (BCMA), for enhanced binding to both BAFF (B-cell Activating Factor) and APRIL (A Proliferation-Inducing Ligand).

BAFF and APRIL play important roles in regulating B-cell survival and differentiation. In animal data presented at the annual American College of Rheumatology Convergence 2022, AUR200 dosed therapeutically reduced several markers of disease activity and improved overall survival in a mouse model of lupus. AUR200 was also well-tolerated in both mice and cynomolgus monkeys, with no adverse effects.

These data highlight the potential utility for AUR200 in the treatment of autoimmune diseases. Aurinia acquired AUR200 as part of a strategy to diversify its development pipeline and leverage existing R&D capabilities to advance innovative therapeutic solutions to help people living with autoimmune diseases.