Vera Therapeutics Submits Biologics License Application to U.S. FDA through Accelerated Approval Program for Atacicept for the Treatment of Adults with IgA Nephropathy

Core Insights - Vera Therapeutics has submitted a Biologics License Application (BLA) to the FDA for atacicept, targeting immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) through the Accelerated Approval Program [1][3][7] - The BLA submission is supported by positive interim results from the ORIGIN 3 trial, showing a 46% reduction in proteinuria from baseline and a 42% reduction compared to placebo at week 36 [2][4][8] - Atacicept is positioned as a first-in-class dual BAFF/APRIL inhibitor, addressing a significant unmet medical need in IgAN, which can lead to end-stage kidney disease in over 50% of patients [3][9] Company Overview - Vera Therapeutics is a late clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing treatments for serious immunological diseases, with atacicept as its lead product candidate [11] - The company aims to change the standard of care for patients by targeting the source of diseases, particularly in autoimmune conditions like IgAN and lupus nephritis [11] - Vera Therapeutics retains global developmental and commercial rights to atacicept, along with other investigational therapies [11] Clinical Development - The ORIGIN 3 trial is a Phase 3, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study involving 431 adults with IgAN, with a primary endpoint focused on proteinuria reduction [4][6] - Atacicept has demonstrated a favorable safety profile comparable to placebo across the ORIGIN program [2][8] - The ORIGIN Phase 2b trial also showed significant proteinuria reductions and stabilization of kidney function, reinforcing the efficacy of atacicept [6][9] Regulatory Status - Atacicept has received FDA Breakthrough Therapy Designation for IgAN, indicating its potential to offer substantial improvement over existing therapies [7][9] - The anticipated timeline for potential FDA approval of atacicept is in 2026 [7]