Core Insights - Apellis Pharmaceuticals (APLS) shares increased by 3.2% following a capped royalty agreement with Sobi, allowing Apellis to receive up to $300 million for 90% of its future ex-U.S. royalties from Aspaveli [1][5] - The deal significantly enhances Apellis' financial position, providing operational flexibility with cash and marketable securities totaling $358.4 million as of the end of Q1 2025 [2] - The agreement includes a $275 million upfront payment and potential milestone payments of up to $25 million upon EU approval for Aspaveli in two severe kidney diseases [3][5] Financial Impact - The capped royalty deal will allow Sobi to receive 90% of ex-U.S. royalties until performance-based caps are met, after which all royalties will revert to Apellis [4] - Year-to-date, APLS shares have decreased by 44%, contrasting with a 3.4% decline in the industry [4] Regulatory Developments - Apellis and Sobi are seeking label expansion for Empaveli, with FDA and EU reviews currently underway for C3 glomerulopathy and primary immune complex membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis [7] - A decision from the FDA is anticipated on July 28, 2025, while the EU decision is expected by year-end [7] Clinical Study Results - The phase III VALIANT study demonstrated a statistically significant 68% reduction in proteinuria for patients treated with Empaveli compared to placebo, indicating its effectiveness in C3G and IC-MPGN [9] - The study also showed that patients experienced stabilized kidney function, with 71% achieving complete clearance of C3c staining intensity [10][12]

Core Viewpoint - Apellis Pharmaceuticals has entered into a capped royalty purchase agreement with Sobi, allowing Apellis to receive up to $300 million in exchange for 90% of its future ex-U.S. royalties for Aspaveli, which is a treatment for rare diseases [1][2][3] Transaction Details - Apellis will receive $275 million upfront and may earn up to $25 million in milestone payments upon EMA approval for Aspaveli in treating C3G and IC-MPGN [3][7] - The agreement includes defined caps tied to Aspaveli's performance, after which 100% of ex-U.S. royalties will revert to Apellis [4] Product Information - Aspaveli (systemic pegcetacoplan) is approved in the EU and the U.S. for treating paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) and is under review for C3 glomerulopathy (C3G) and primary immune complex membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (IC-MPGN) [2][5] - Approximately 50% of patients with C3G and IC-MPGN may experience kidney failure within five to ten years of diagnosis, highlighting the urgency for effective treatments [6] Strategic Implications - The transaction is seen as a non-dilutive funding method that strengthens Apellis' balance sheet and provides operational flexibility as the company approaches sustainable profitability [2][7] - Sobi's expertise in rare diseases and its commercial footprint are expected to enhance the reach of Aspaveli globally following regulatory approvals [3]