NEW YORK, N.Y. — March 14, 2024: Lupus Therapeutics, the clinical research affiliate of the Lupus Research Alliance, announced a collaboration with Artiva Biotherapeutics, Inc. on a Phase 1 trial of the company novel NK cell-based therapy AlloNK® (also known as AB-101), in combination with anti-CD20 antibodies, for patients with active lupus nephritis – inflammation of the kidneys caused by lupus. AlloNK is a non-genetically modified, allogeneic, cryopreserved natural killer (NK) cell therapy candidate developed to enhance the activity of targeted monoclonal antibodies to deplete harmful B cells.

AlloNK is currently being investigated in two cancer clinical trials in combination with antibody or NK-engager biologics, where safety and activity have been established for AlloNK in combination with the anti-CD20 antibody rituximab. This is the first time AlloNK will be evaluated in autoimmune disease. AlloNK is an off-the-shelf therapy with the potential to be administered in the community setting.

Lupus Therapeutics has provided advisory services and clinical operations support for the Artiva early development program through sites in the Lupus Clinical Investigators Network (LuCIN). The Network, overseen by Lupus Therapeutics, is comprised of leading research centers throughout North America with the purpose of accelerating and optimizing lupus clinical trials.

Lupus nephritis (LN) is one of the most severe complications of lupus, causing damage to the kidneys. Twenty to 65% of the estimated 220,000 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus in the U.S. will develop LN. Limited treatments are currently available for LN, and because lupus affects each person differently, more options are urgently needed.

“Lupus Therapeutics is pleased to work with Artiva Biotherapeutics and other companies developing different approaches to cell therapies as potentially curative therapies for lupus and the many associated complications,” said Stacie Bell, Ph.D., Lupus Therapeutics Executive Vice President. “These cell therapies are an exciting area of research in lupus with rapidly growing commitment among all the stakeholders comprising the lupus community, including industry and the research centers that are part of the Lupus Clinical Investigators Network.”

Lupus Therapeutics and the Lupus Research Alliance are particularly interested in realizing the potential of cell therapies having funded the research that laid the foundation for the first-generation cell therapy now in clinical development.

About Lupus
Lupus is a chronic, complex, and heterogeneous autoimmune disease that affects millions of people worldwide. More than 90 percent of people with lupus are women; lupus most often strikes during the childbearing years of 15-45. Black, Hispanic, Asian, and Native American females and males are at greater risk than Caucasians for developing lupus. In lupus, the immune system, designed to protect against infection, creates antibodies that can attack any part of the body including the kidneys, brain, heart, lungs, blood, skin, and joints.

About Lupus Therapeutics
Lupus Therapeutics, the clinical research affiliate of the Lupus Research Alliance, aims to accelerate the development of curative treatments for all individuals living with lupus. Lupus Therapeutics collaborates with academic institutions, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical partners through the unprecedented Lupus Clinical Investigators Network (LuCIN) to drive rapid and meaningful progress in the treatment of lupus patients. The organization elevates the patient voice, engages community stakeholders, and strives for representation of the diverse lupus community in the clinical research process with the most innovative and renowned experts throughout North America. Visit lupustherapeutics.org for more information.

About the Lupus Research Alliance
The Lupus Research Alliance is the largest non-governmental, non-profit funder of lupus research worldwide. The organization aims to transform treatment by funding the most innovative lupus research, fostering diverse scientific talent, and driving discovery toward better diagnostics, improved treatments and ultimately a cure for lupus. Because the Lupus Research Alliance’s Board of Directors funds all administrative and fundraising costs, 100% of all donations goes to support lupus research programs. For more information, please visit the LRA at LupusResearch.org and on social media at:  X, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

# # #