Atacicept is a recombinant fusion protein that contains the soluble TACI receptor that binds to the cytokines BLyS and APRIL. These cytokines are members of the tumor necrosis factor family that promote B-cell survival and autoantibody production associated with certain autoimmune diseases such as IgA Nephropathy (IgAN). Blocking these cytokines with atacicept has been shown in clinical trials to reduce disease causing antibodies.
Vera holds an exclusive worldwide license for the development and commercialization of atacicept in all indications from Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, a leading science and technology company.
IgAN, also known as Berger’s disease, is an autoimmune disease driven by the deposition of abnormal immune complexes that accumulate in the kidneys, causing inflammatory tissue damage and kidney failure.
BLyS = B lymphocyte stimulator; APRIL = a proliferation-inducing ligand
