Aurinia Pharmaceuticals Inc (NASDAQ:AUPH) has compiled the results of its open-label exploratory study of voclosporin and mycophenolate mofetil, for the treatment of lupus nephritis. The study had been conducted over a period of 24-weeks and comprised of a total of 10 patients. The company announced that it plans to announce the results at the 10th Annual European Lupus Meeting, due to be held in Venice, Italy.
The CMO of Aurinia, Neil Solomons, stated that these results provide proof of concept, which supports the use of voclosporin, in the treatment of lupus. He also claimed that they could move to the phase-3 of the program, since 23.7mg has been specified as the optimal dose for the study. Mr. Solomons also pointed out that the study showed that patient responses and remissions can be predicted well in advance, which can allow clinicians to optimize treatments, for the long-term.
The study had shown that 70% of the population was able to achieve complete remission, within the first 24-weeks. Moreover, anti-inflammatory markers, including C3, C4 and anti-dsDNA had continued to normalize during the same period. Finally, there were no unexpected safety signs, in the patients, during the course of the study. Once the studies have been completed, AUPH plans to file a patent for the drug application, allowing it to proceed with patent protection across various markets, at least until October 2027.
In addition to attending the annual lupus meeting in Venic, Aurinia recently presented at the Leerink Partners Roundtable Series, on September 28, 2016, in New York. The company was represented by its CEO, Charles Rowland, at the Fireside Chat. A replay of the event is available on the company website. Moreover, on September 30, 2016, the company also hosted a Lupus Nephritis expert breakfast, in New York. Aurinia made use of the occasion to announce the results of a phase-2b trial AURA-LV. The event also comprised of talks by renowned academics and doctors, who focus on the disease.
Aurinia Pharmaceuticals Inc (NASDAQ:AUPH) closed at a share price of $4.7, at the end of the October 7 trading session, 7.84% lower than the session before. The stock had a trade volume of 2,000, during the session.
