Vera Therapeutics Acquires Global Rights to Novel, Next Generation Dual BAFF/APRIL Inhibitor

Company Overview - Vera Therapeutics is a late clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing treatments for serious immunological diseases [2] - The company's mission is to advance treatments targeting the source of immunological diseases to change the standard of care for patients [2] - Vera's lead product candidate is atacicept, a fusion protein self-administered as a subcutaneous injection once weekly that blocks both BAFF and APRIL, which stimulate B cells to produce autoantibodies contributing to autoimmune diseases like IgAN and lupus nephritis [2] - The company is also developing MAU868, a monoclonal antibody designed to neutralize BK virus (BKV) infection, particularly in kidney transplant settings [2] - Vera retains all global developmental and commercial rights to atacicept and MAU868 [2] Strategic Development - Vera announced an exclusive license agreement with Stanford University for VT-109, a novel next-generation fusion protein targeting BAFF and APRIL, with wide therapeutic potential across B cell mediated diseases [1] - This agreement is part of Vera's lifecycle management strategy to expand and extend its leadership position in B cell modulation [4] - The company plans to leverage its research, translational medicine, clinical development, and commercial expertise to advance VT-109 [4] - The agreement enables Vera to develop and market VT-109 in return for undisclosed upfront and milestone payments [4] Leadership Perspective - Marshall Fordyce, MD, Founder and CEO of Vera Therapeutics, emphasized the potential of VT-109 to transform the treatment of patients with B cell mediated diseases [4] - The transaction reflects Vera's commitment to improving outcomes for patients with severe autoimmune diseases [4]