Vera Therapeutics Acquires Global Rights to Novel, Next Generation Dual BAFF/APRIL Inhibitor

Rhea-AI Summary

Vera Therapeutics (Nasdaq: VERA) has secured an exclusive license agreement with Stanford University for VT-109, a novel next-generation fusion protein targeting BAFF and APRIL. The technology has broad therapeutic potential across B cell mediated diseases. The agreement grants Vera development and marketing rights in exchange for undisclosed upfront and milestone payments.

According to CEO Marshall Fordyce, this acquisition aligns with Vera's lifecycle management strategy to strengthen its position in B cell modulation. The company plans to utilize its expertise in research, translational medicine, clinical development, and commercialization to advance the molecule's potential.

Positive

• Acquisition of exclusive global rights to novel dual BAFF/APRIL inhibitor
• Expansion of product pipeline in B cell mediated diseases
• Strategic alignment with existing expertise and commercial capabilities

Negative

• Undisclosed financial terms creating uncertainty about cost impact
• Early-stage asset requiring significant development investment

Insights

Biotech Research Analyst

The acquisition of VT-109 from Stanford University represents a strategic expansion of Vera's B cell modulation pipeline. Dual BAFF/APRIL inhibition is a validated therapeutic approach, with existing treatments like telitacicept showing promise in autoimmune conditions. The key differentiator here is VT-109's next-generation design, which could potentially offer improved efficacy or safety profiles over current therapies.

The undisclosed financial terms suggest this is likely a standard university licensing deal, typically involving modest upfront payments ($1-5 million) with potential milestone payments that could reach $100-200 million if all development goals are met. The strategic value lies in expanding Vera's intellectual property portfolio and providing a complementary asset to their existing pipeline.

For investors, this represents a calculated long-term investment in pipeline expansion, though near-term impact on valuation will be minimal given the early stage of the asset. The focus remains on Vera's lead programs, with VT-109 serving as a future growth driver.

Market Research Analyst

This licensing agreement positions Vera strategically in the growing autoimmune disease market, projected to reach $153 billion by 2025. The B cell modulation space is particularly competitive, with major players like GSK (Benlysta) and Roche (Gazyva) dominating the market. VT-109's dual inhibition mechanism could potentially capture market share if it demonstrates superior efficacy in clinical trials.

The timing of this acquisition aligns with increasing investor interest in autoimmune therapeutics, particularly following recent successful launches in the space. While early-stage assets typically don't drive immediate stock price movements, this addition strengthens Vera's long-term competitive position and could attract partnership interest from larger pharmaceutical companies.

BRISBANE, Calif., Jan. 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Vera Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: VERA), a late clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing and commercializing transformative treatments for patients with serious immunological diseases, today announced an exclusive license agreement with Stanford University for a novel, next generation fusion protein targeting BAFF and APRIL, known as VT-109, with wide therapeutic potential across the spectrum of B cell mediated diseases.

“This novel approach is part of Vera’s broad lifecycle management strategy to expand and extend our leadership position within B cell modulation, which we believe has the potential to transform how we treat patients suffering from a variety of B cell mediated diseases. We plan to leverage our research, translational medicine, clinical development and commercial expertise to define and advance the potential of this molecule,” said Marshall Fordyce, M.D., Founder and CEO of Vera Therapeutics. “This transaction furthers our commitment to transforming outcomes for patients with grievous autoimmune diseases.”

This agreement will enable Vera to develop and market VT-109 in return for undisclosed upfront and milestone payments.

About Vera
Vera Therapeutics is a late clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing treatments for serious immunological diseases. Vera’s mission is to advance treatments that target the source of immunological diseases in order to change the standard of care for patients. Vera’s lead product candidate is atacicept, a fusion protein self-administered as a subcutaneous injection once weekly that blocks both B-cell Activating Factor (BAFF) and A PRoliferation-Inducing Ligand (APRIL), which stimulate B cells to produce autoantibodies contributing to certain autoimmune diseases, including IgAN, also known as Berger’s disease, and lupus nephritis. In addition, Vera is evaluating additional diseases where the reduction of autoantibodies by atacicept may prove medically useful. Vera is also developing MAU868, a monoclonal antibody designed to neutralize infection with BK virus (BKV), a polyomavirus that can have devastating consequences in certain settings such as kidney transplant. Vera retains all global developmental and commercial rights to atacicept and MAU868. For more information, please visit www.veratx.com

Forward-looking Statements
Statements contained in this press release regarding matters, events or results that may occur in the future are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements include statements regarding, among other things, VT-109’s potential to transform how patients suffering from B cell mediated diseases are treated and Vera’s plans to advance development of VT-109. Because such statements are subject to risk and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Words such as “believe,” “plan,” “potential” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon Vera’s current expectations and involve assumptions that may never materialize or may prove to be incorrect. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of various risks and uncertainties, which include, without limitation, risks related to the regulatory approval process, results of earlier clinical trials may not be obtained in later clinical trials, preliminary results may not be predictive of topline results, risks and uncertainties associated with Vera’s business in general, the impact of macroeconomic and geopolitical events, and the other risks described in Vera’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date on which they were made and are based on management’s assumptions and estimates as of such date. Vera undertakes no obligation to update such statements to reflect events that occur or circumstances that exist after the date on which they were made, except as required by law.

For more information, please contact:

Investor Contact:
Joyce Allaire
LifeSci Advisors
212-915-2569
jallaire@lifesciadvisors.com

Media Contact:
Madelin Hawtin
LifeSci Communications
MHawtin@lifescicomms.com

FAQ

What is VT-109 and what did Vera Therapeutics license from Stanford University?

VT-109 is a novel, next-generation fusion protein targeting BAFF and APRIL, licensed exclusively by Vera Therapeutics from Stanford University for development and commercialization in B cell mediated diseases.

How much did Vera Therapeutics (VERA) pay for the VT-109 license agreement?

The financial terms of the license agreement, including upfront and milestone payments, were not disclosed in the announcement.

What therapeutic areas will VT-109 target for Vera Therapeutics?

VT-109 has therapeutic potential across the spectrum of B cell mediated diseases, targeting serious immunological diseases.

How does the VT-109 acquisition fit into Vera Therapeutics' strategy?

The acquisition is part of Vera's lifecycle management strategy to expand and extend their leadership position in B cell modulation, leveraging their existing research, clinical development, and commercial expertise.