aritinercept

Aritinercept is a dual inhibitor of B cell-activating factor (BAFF) and a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL) designed for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. It is an Fc fusion protein developed by Aurinia Pharmaceuticals (originally by Thunderbolt Pharma). The drug works by modulating B cells, including plasma cells, which produce disease-causing autoantibodies[1][3][5]. In Phase 1 clinical trials, single doses of aritinercept demonstrated robust and long-lasting reductions in immunoglobulins, with mean reductions from baseline to Day 28 of up to 48% for IgA, 55% for IgM, and 20% for IgG[1][3][5]. The drug was well tolerated across all tested doses (5-300 mg) with no treatment-related serious adverse events or Grade ≥3 adverse events[5]. The pharmacodynamic effects support once-monthly subcutaneous dosing[3][5].

Other names

Thunderbolt Pharma's BAFF/APRIL dual antagonistAstellas' BAFF/APRIL dual antagonist program