Integrin alpha-5 (ITGA5) is a central modulator of extracellular matrix signaling and has been tied to fibrosis and tissue damage, contributing to lupus nephritis (LN) pathogenesis. A group of researchers aimed to investigate the association between ITGA5 and LN and its inhibition as a potential strategy to improve renal outcomes.
Hinge Bio Inc. has obtained IND approval from the FDA to initiate a phase I study of HB-2198 in patients with the B cell-mediated autoimmune diseases systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and lupus nephritis. The trial is expected to open this quarter.
Autoimmunity Biosolutions has closed a seed financing to support its work advancing a next-generation, immuno-corrective therapy for autoimmune diseases. The company’s approach targets a branch of the interleukin-7 (IL-7)/interleukin-7 receptor (IL-7R) pathway controlled by the soluble IL-7R (sIL-7R), a critical amplifier of autoimmune reactions.
This summer’s IPO by Artiva Biotherapeutics Inc. highlighted early stage efforts with natural killer cells in autoimmune disease, where a handful of companies are advancing programs. The firm raised $167 million through an upsized financing, with funds aimed at the development of its lead AlloNK program for systemic lupus erythematosus and other indications in the same category.
South San Francisco-based Kezar Life Sciences Inc. voluntarily stopped its phase IIb Palizade trial of zetomipzomib in active lupus nephritis, following four fatal, or grade 5, serious adverse events of patients enrolled in the Philippines and Argentina.
South San Francisco-based Kezar Life Sciences Inc. voluntarily stopped its phase IIb Palizade trial of zetomipzomib in active lupus nephritis, following four fatal, or grade 5, serious adverse events of patients enrolled in the Philippines and Argentina.
Artiva Biotherapeutics Inc. raised $167 million through an upsized IPO, with funds aimed at the development of its lead AlloNK program for systemic lupus erythematosus and other autoimmune indications. Just a few days ago, the San Diego based company had aimed to sell 8.4 million shares between $14 and $16 each, but it raised the number of shares offered to 13.92 million and lowered the price to $12 each. The upsize brings Artiva’s shares outstanding following the IPO to about 22.8 million, giving the company a market cap of $273.6 million based on the IPO price.
Coming off a presentation at the European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology meeting, where a single report of disease recurrence in a lupus patient overshadowed promising early data for Kyverna Therapeutics Inc.’s autoimmune candidate, KYV-101, the Emeryville, Calif.-based company rallied on news of a case report describing the first use of the CD19-targeting CAR T-cell therapy in a patient with stiff-person syndrome, a rare, progressive neurological autoimmune disorder for which there is limited treatment.
GSK plc has identified cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (MB21D1; cGAS) inhibitors and their prodrugs reported to be useful for the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus or lupus nephritis.
