Benzinga | Aug 17, 2021 06:39AM EDT

Aurinia Adds Two Assets To Expand Its Immunology Pipeline

* Aurinia Pharmaceuticals Inc (NASDAQ:AUPH) has added two assets to expand its rare autoimmune and kidney-related disease pipeline.

* The first program, AUR200, was acquired from privately-held Thunderbolt Pharma Inc.

* AUR200 is a recombinant Fc fusion protein designed to block B-cell Activating Factor (BAFF) and A Proliferation-Inducing Ligand (APRIL).

* BAFF and APRIL promote B cell survival and play a prominent role in the pathogenesis of certain autoimmune and nephrology conditions.

* Aurinia paid $750,000 upfront. Additionally, Thunderbolt will receive low single-digit sales-based royalties.

* AUR200 is in preclinical development, with IND submission expected by the end of 2022.

* The second program, AUR300, was added via a licensing and research agreement with Riptide Bioscience Inc.

* AUR300 is a novel peptide therapeutic that modulates M2 macrophages (a type of white blood cells) via the macrophage mannose receptor CD206.

* Aurinia paid Riptide an upfront fee of $6 million.

* Clinical development for AUR300 will commence in 1H of 2023.

* Price Action: AUPH shares closed 4.68% lower at $14.46 on Monday.