AnaptysBio's Arthritis Drug Matches Top Therapies In Phase 2 Trial, Analyst Sees Turning Point

Core Insights - AnaptysBio, Inc. has released updated data from the Phase 2b trial of rosnilimab, demonstrating significant efficacy in treating rheumatoid arthritis [1][2] - The drug showed durable responses and was well tolerated compared to standard biologics and JAK inhibitors [2][4] - Analyst Emily Bodnar upgraded AnaptysBio's rating from Neutral to Buy, raising the price target from $22 to$38 based on positive trial data [4] Efficacy and Safety - In a 424-patient trial, rosnilimab achieved JAK-like efficacy on multiple measures, including low disease activity (LDA) and remission on the Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI) [1] - At Week 12, all three doses of rosnilimab (100mg Q4W, 400mg Q4W, 600mg Q2W) showed statistically significant reductions in DAS-28 CRP and ACR20 compared to placebo [2] - By Week 12, 45% of patients achieved CDAI LDA, increasing to 69% by Week 14 across all doses [2] Patient Outcomes - Rosnilimab demonstrated clinically meaningful improvements in patient-reported outcomes, including pain visual analog scale (VAS) and HAQ-Disability Index [4] - As of the March 11, 2025 data cutoff, 83% of patients remained in LDA at Week 34, with a median CDAI of 13 for those not sustaining LDA [3] Competitive Landscape - Data from the SELECT-CHOICE trial indicated similar efficacy results for AbbVie’s Rinvoq and Bristol Myers Squibb’s Orencia, aligning with rosnilimab's outcomes [5] - In contrast, Eli Lilly's discontinued PD-1 agonist peresolimab showed a decline in CDAI LDA rates, highlighting rosnilimab's stronger performance [6] - Johnson & Johnson is expected to present early data for its PD-1 agonist at the upcoming EULAR conference, although its study is smaller than AnaptysBio's [6]