Benzinga | Aug 12, 2021 07:48AM EDT

Equillium's Itolizumab Reduces Urine Protein In Lupus Patients

* Equillium Inc (NASDAQ:EQ) announced additional data from the Type A portion of the EQUALISE Phase 1b study of itolizumab in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and lupus nephritis (LN).

* The new data showed that patients without a diagnosis of LN but with elevated urine protein/creatine ratio (UPCR) experienced a mean decrease from baseline in UPCR of 33% and 42% at Days 29 and 57, respectively.

* Additionally, patients with elevated albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR) achieved a mean decrease from baseline in ACR of 22% and 53% at Days 29 and 57, respectively.

* Equillium also amended the Type B portion of the study to include newly diagnosed patients in addition to refractory patients.

* The study will evaluate up to 20 patients.

* Interim data from the Type B portion is expected by the end of 2021.

* Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks its tissues, causing inflammation and tissue damage in the affected organs. Lupus nephritis is a severe complication of SLE, reducing kidney function over time.

* Itolizumab is an anti-CD6 monoclonal antibody that selectively targets the CD6-ALCAM pathway that plays a central role in modulating T cells that drive several immuno-inflammatory diseases.

* Price Action: EQ shares closed at $6.11 on Wednesday.