## Vera Therapeutics’ Ataccept Shows Promise for Long-Term IgAN Treatment: Positive Data From Phase 2b Trial
Vera Therapeutics Inc. (VERA) has released encouraging long-term data from its ORIGIN Phase 2b trial of atacicept, a potential treatment for immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN). These results, presented at the American Society of Nephrology Kidney Week 2024 and published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, highlight the potential for atacicept to offer sustained benefits for patients with IgAN.
The data, gathered over 96 weeks of follow-up, demonstrated significant improvements in key markers of IgAN progression. Participants treated with atacicept showed a remarkable -66% reduction in galactose-deficient IgA1 (Gd-IgA1), a key protein involved in IgAN. Additionally, 75% of participants achieved resolution of hematuria (blood in the urine), a common symptom of the disease. The study also found a -52% reduction in proteinuria, an indicator of kidney damage, and a mean annualized estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) slope of -0.6 mL/min/1.73m2/year, suggesting stabilization of kidney function.
Importantly, the safety profile of atacicept remained favorable throughout the long-term follow-up, with a 90% completion rate of atacicept treatment. These findings reinforce the potential for atacicept to provide long-term, comprehensive disease modification for IgAN patients.
The positive results from the Phase 2b trial add to the growing evidence supporting atacicept’s therapeutic potential for IgAN. These findings bolster confidence in the ongoing pivotal Phase 3 ORIGIN 3 trial of atacicept in IgAN, which is expected to announce topline results in the second quarter of 2025. Following the completion of the Phase 3 trial, Vera Therapeutics plans to submit a marketing application to the FDA later in the year.
To further ensure access to atacicept before commercial availability, Vera Therapeutics will initiate an ORIGIN Extend study in the fourth quarter of 2024. This study will provide participants from the ORIGIN trial with extended access to atacicept.
The positive data from the ORIGIN Phase 2b trial has been met with enthusiasm by investors, with VERA stock rising 12.2% to $46.12 at last check on Monday. This strong performance reflects the market’s optimism regarding the potential of atacicept to become a significant treatment option for IgAN.
