• 19 Jun 2024
• Admin
• News Article

FDA Approves Phase II Study of Ruxoprubart for ANCA-Associated Vasculitis

Overview

NovelMed is pleased to announce that Ruxoprubart, an experimental drug, has received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to initiate a clinical trial focused on patients with ANCA Associated Vasculitis (AAV). AAV is a rare autoimmune disorder that leads to chronic inflammation in small blood vessels. The current standard of treatment involves high doses of glucocorticoids and other immunosuppressive drugs, which can cause significant side effects, including reduced immune function and toxicity.

Targeted Approach

• In earlier Phase I and II studies involving patients with PNH, Ruxoprubart effectively targeted the alternative pathway (AP) of the complement system without interfering with the classical pathway (CP), essential for immune response. 
• This targeted approach suggests that Ruxoprubart may not necessitate a Black Box Warning, unlike some other complement inhibitors.

Future Study

• The upcoming study will include twelve patients with AAV and will assess Ruxoprubart's effectiveness compared to the current standard of care, similar to previous trials with TAVNEOS. 
• Ruxoprubart is expected to be more effective than TAVNEOS by controlling the production of three harmful substances—C3a, C5a, and the membrane attack complex—associated with the disease's pathology. 
• While TAVNEOS only addresses C5a, Ruxoprubart aims to neutralize both C3a and C5a, potentially offering a more comprehensive treatment option.

Words from NovelMed

• Dr. Rekha Bansal, CEO of NovelMed, commented, "We are excited to have FDA approval to study Ruxoprubart in AAV patients who have not responded adequately to existing treatments. This study will help us evaluate Ruxoprubart's effectiveness against therapies like TAVNEOS, with the goal of greatly improving the lives of AAV patients."
• Joseph Jankowski, Ph.D., VP of Business Development at NovelMed, noted the significance of the FDA's approval, stating, "The approval of the Phase II clinical trial for AAV represents a significant step for Ruxoprubart, which shows promise as a versatile treatment platform for various conditions."

The acquisition of TAVNEOS by Amgen for $3.7 billion underscores the importance of effective treatments for AAV patients. Ruxoprubart is being developed as a next-generation therapy that could potentially replace TAVNEOS.

Selective Targeting for Complement AP

• Ruxoprubart's selective targeting of the complement AP, as demonstrated in clinical trials, suggests its potential to treat not only AAV but also other renal conditions such as atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) and IgA nephropathy (IgAN). 
• Its focus on the AP makes it a strong candidate in the market for treating various complement-mediated disorders.

About NovelMed

• NovelMed is committed to advancing Ruxoprubart's development to address the unmet needs of AAV and other complement-mediated diseases. 
• The FDA's clearance of the Phase II trial marks a significant step in our mission to introduce innovative and effective treatments to the market. 
• We are exploring licensing, partnership, and acquisition opportunities to accelerate Ruxoprubart's development and approval across multiple rare disease indications. 
• For more details, visit www.NovelMed.com.

ANCA Vasculitis

• ANCA Vasculitis (AAV) is a rare autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation in blood vessels, often leading to swelling, narrowing, and potential blockage of these vessels. 
• It is characterized by Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibodies (ANCAs), which target proteins within neutrophils, leading to crescentic glomerulonephritis and potentially kidney failure. 
• Diagnosis typically involves a comprehensive assessment, including medical history, physical exams, laboratory tests, imaging, and sometimes tissue biopsies. 
• Current treatment focuses on suppressing the immune system to reduce inflammation and prevent further organ damage.

Prevalence

The prevalence of AAV in the U.S. ranges from 66,600 to 133,200 patients. TAVNEOS costs approximately $75,051 annually per patient, with potential annual sales exceeding $4 billion.

Ruxoprubart

• Ruxoprubart is a high-affinity, humanized monoclonal antibody targeting Bb, selectively inhibiting the initiation and progression of the alternative pathway of the complement system. 
• By focusing on the AP and not the CP, Ruxoprubart holds promise for treating renal disorders such as ANCA vasculitis. 
• It also shows potential in a variety of rare diseases and conditions, including hematological disorders like PNH, renal conditions such as aHUS and IgAN, neurological conditions like NMOSD, and ocular conditions such as geographic atrophy and uveitis.

More Information

Information on clinical trials for Ruxoprubart can be found at www.clinicaltrials.gov, highlighting its potential to address a range of complement-mediated conditions where treatment options are limited or unavailable.