Benzinga | Jun 3, 2021 08:14AM EDT

Alpine Immune Sciences' Autoimmune Disease Candidate ALPN-303 Shows Promise in Preclinical Studies

* Alpine Immune Sciences Inc (NASDAQ:ALPN) has presented the preclinical data from its ALPN-303 program at the European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) European Congress of Rheumatology Virtual Meeting.

* ALPN-303 inhibited the activity of the B cell cytokines APRIL and BAFF more potently than wild-type TACI-Fc counterparts, as well as an anti-BAFF antibody.

* ALPN-303 exhibited favorable preliminary developability characteristics, including higher serum exposure, lower clinical doses, or longer dosing intervals compared to WT TACI-Fc therapeutics.

* In a mouse model of lupus, ALPN-303 treatment significantly suppressed anti-double-stranded DNA antibody titers, inflammation in the kidneys (glomerulonephritis), and salivary glands (sialadenitis) while preserving renal function and improving survival.

* ALPN-303 is a potential candidate for the treatment of multiple autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, focusing on B cell-related disorders.

* The first-in-human study is expected to start in later 2021.

* See the slide presentation here.

* Related content: Benzinga's Full FDA Calendar.

* Price Action: ALPN shares closed at $10.14 on Wednesday.