Aurinia Pharmaceuticals Advocates Enhanced Lupus Nephritis Screening at ACR 2024 Conference

Enhanced Screening for Lupus Nephritis: A Call to Action at ACR 2024

Aurinia Pharmaceuticals Inc. announces the acceptance of four poster presentations for the upcoming American College of Rheumatology Convergence (ACR) 2024, set for November 14-19 in Washington, D.C. These presentations highlight the urgent need for improved screening protocols for lupus nephritis (LN), a serious complication associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). With a significant percentage of SLE patients showing indicators of LN, the company advocates for increased awareness and proactive measures among healthcare professionals, particularly rheumatologists, in diagnosing and managing this condition.

Dr. Greg Keenan, Chief Medical Officer at Aurinia, articulates the pivotal role rheumatologists play in the early detection of LN. The company's findings, derived from the American Rheumatology Network (ARN) database involving 8,631 SLE patients, indicate that 62% exhibit indicators of LN, yet many are not undergoing necessary screenings. Alarmingly, although 97% of patients suspected of having LN receive eGFR assessments, only 40% possess explicit ICD-10 codes for the condition. Dr. Nehad Soloman, the lead author of the study, emphasizes that routine proteinuria screenings are critical for early identification and intervention, which can significantly reduce the risk of irreversible kidney damage.

In addition to advocating for better screening practices, the presentations also emphasize the efficacy of LUPKYNIS® (voclosporin), a second-generation calcineurin inhibitor, in treating adults with active LN. Data derived from the Phase 3 AURORA 1 and 2 studies demonstrate that patients receiving LUPKYNIS achieve a higher sustained complete renal response (SCRR) rate compared to those on placebo. This SCRR endpoint has been incorporated into the FDA-approved label update for LUPKYNIS, further solidifying its importance in the therapeutic landscape for managing LN effectively.

Aurinia’s active engagement at ACR 2024 aims not only to share vital research findings but also to galvanize the medical community towards the critical need for enhanced diagnostic protocols for lupus nephritis. The company’s commitment to improving patient outcomes underscores the potential of LUPKYNIS as a cornerstone in the treatment of this challenging condition.

As the conference approaches, Aurinia Pharmaceuticals positions itself at the forefront of discussions around lupus nephritis, reinforcing the significance of early detection and effective treatment strategies in enhancing patient care. The presentations serve as a crucial reminder of the ongoing challenges in the management of SLE and the potential for innovative therapies like LUPKYNIS to transform patient outcomes.