Aurinia Pharmaceuticals Inc (AUPH) Quote

Z. as U know ...Lupkynis targets T cells . AUPH has begun their own BAFF / APRIL program for treating LN ...just several years behind VERA
Inhibiting both BAFF and APRIL is thought to be ( based on the past several yrs of research ) , a more effective way of inhibiting B cell production which is a key factor in developing Lupus Nephritis

Inhibiting B cells and T cells are both important therapeutic approaches in lupus nephritis (LN), but they target different aspects of the disease pathogenesis:
Inhibiting B Cells
B cells play a central role in LN pathogenesis through several mechanisms:
Production of autoantibodies, especially anti-dsDNA antibodies that can deposit in the kidneys and cause damage.
Acting as antigen-presenting cells to activate autoreactive T cells.
Secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
Key approaches to inhibiting B cells include:
B cell depletion therapies like rituximab (anti-CD20 antibody).
Inhibition of B cell survival factors like belimumab (anti-BAFF antibody).
Targeting B cell signaling pathways.
Benefits of B cell inhibition:
Reduces autoantibody production and immune complex formation.
Decreases B cell-mediated T cell activation.
Can lead to long-lasting remission in some patients.
Inhibiting T Cells
T cells, especially CD4+ T helper cells, contribute to LN pathogenesis by:
Providing help to autoreactive B cells.
Producing pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-17.
Infiltrating the kidneys and causing local inflammation.
Approaches to inhibiting T cells include:
Calcineurin inhibitors like tacrolimus.
Costimulation blockade (e.g., abatacept).
Targeting specific T cell subsets like Th17 cells.
Benefits of T cell inhibition:
Reduces T cell-dependent B cell activation and antibody production.
Decreases inflammatory cytokine production.
Can be effective in cases resistant to B cell-targeted therapies.
Comparison
B cell inhibition tends to have a more direct effect on autoantibody production, while T cell inhibition affects broader immune activation.
B cell-targeted therapies like rituximab and belimumab have shown efficacy in clinical trials for LN, while T cell-targeted approaches are still being investigated.
Some newer approaches aim to target both B and T cells simultaneously, recognizing the complex interplay between these cell types in LN pathogenesis.
In conclusion, both B cell and T cell inhibition strategies have shown promise in treating LN. The choice between them often depends on the specific disease characteristics and patient factors. Combination approaches targeting both cell types may offer synergistic benefits in some cases.

How do B cells contribute more significantly to lupus nephritis compared to T cells
B cells appear to contribute more significantly to lupus nephritis compared to T cells in several key ways:
Production of pathogenic autoantibodies: B cells are the precursors to plasma cells, which produce autoantibodies that are central to lupus nephritis pathogenesis. Anti-dsDNA antibodies in particular can deposit in the kidneys and cause direct tissue damage.
Formation of immune complexes: The autoantibodies produced by B cells form immune complexes that deposit in the kidneys, triggering inflammation and tissue injury.
Cytokine production: B cells produce pro-inflammatory cytokines that contribute to the inflammatory environment in lupus nephritis.
Antigen presentation: B cells can act as antigen-presenting cells to activate autoreactive T cells, perpetuating the autoimmune response.
Infiltration of kidneys: Studies have shown increased infiltration of B cells and plasma cells in the kidneys of lupus nephritis patients and mouse models.
Correlation with disease activity: The number of circulating plasma cells correlates with lupus disease activity and anti-dsDNA antibody levels.
While T cells also play important roles in lupus nephritis, their contributions appear to be more supportive:
Providing help to B cells for autoantibody production.
Producing inflammatory cytokines.
Infiltrating the kidneys to cause local inflammation.
However, the direct tissue damage and formation of immune complexes mediated by B cell-produced autoantibodies seem to be more central to the pathogenesis of lupus nephritis. This is supported by the efficacy of B cell-targeted therapies like rituximab in treating lupus nephritis.

In summary, while both B and T cells contribute to lupus nephritis, the ability of B cells to produce pathogenic autoantibodies and form immune complexes that directly damage the kidneys appears to make their role more significant in the disease process.

Role in pathogenesis:
BAFF and APRIL levels are elevated in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and LN.
They contribute to B cell hyperactivity and autoantibody production, which are central to LN pathogenesis.
Overexpression of BAFF in mice can induce lupus-like symptoms, including glomerulonephritis.
Therapeutic targets:
Inhibiting BAFF and/or APRIL has become a promising treatment strategy for LN.
Several drugs targeting these cytokines have been developed and tested in clinical trials.
Specific treatments:
Belimumab: A BAFF inhibitor approved for treating SLE, including patients with LN.
Atacicept: A dual BAFF/APRIL inhibitor that has shown potential in clinical trials for SLE and LN.
Telitacicept: Another dual BAFF/APRIL inhibitor being investigated for various autoimmune diseases, including LN.
Advantages of targeting BAFF/APRIL:
More specific than traditional immunosuppressants, potentially offering better efficacy and safety profiles.
Addresses the underlying B cell-driven pathogenesis of LN.
Biomarkers:
Serum levels of BAFF and APRIL may serve as biomarkers for disease activity and treatment response in LN.
Ongoing research:
Studies are exploring the optimal use of BAFF/APRIL inhibitors, including combination therapies and identifying patient subgroups most likely to benefit.

In summary, BAFF and APRIL inhibition represents a targeted approach to treating LN by addressing the B cell-mediated aspects of the disease. While some treatments like belimumab are already approved, research continues to optimize the use of these therapies and develop new agents targeting this pathway.

So we should know Oct 2nd if VERA is willing to spend the millions required to advance their LN BAFF / APRIL into a P 3 trial .........so no worries till then

Kiwi

P3 LN drug ( Baff /April combo ) which is expected to be better than AUPH's Lupkynis Expectations are rarely met in the biotech arena. I woudn't worry too much.

Thanks Kiwi. I feel your presence as I am sitting on a bench near pier 39 in Frisco, on the way south thru the Panama Canal. Good luck with Vera

and another 3 years to determine its sustainability.

RMB. Agree that Tang will be very proactive in getting a deal done . For one thing VERA is holding a KOL day on Oct 2nd where they may discuss their plans for advancing their P3 LN drug ( Baff /April combo ) which is expected to be better than AUPH's Lupkynis . So I'm sure Tang would want a deal done for AUPH before VERA's LN drug was approved . ( roughly 3 yrs out if they start their P 3 soon )
JMO
Kiwi

Thinking that with Tang getting involved here big time that big things might happen quickly. He does not appear to be someone with a long time horizon.

Thinking that with Tang getting involved here big time that big things might happen quickly. He does not appear to be someone with a long time horizon.

kiwi, I behave a faint memory of Tang(?) recently closing position in AMRN while others are piling in, something more to check out.

Tang and AUPH

Based on the search results, here are the key details about Tang Capital Management's purchases of Aurinia Pharmaceuticals (AUPH) stock:
Recent Acquisition
Tang Capital Management made a significant acquisition of AUPH shares in September 2024:
Acquired approximately 7,229,500 shares
This represents about 5.1% ownership of AUPH
The shares were acquired for approximately $44.5 million
Previous Holdings
Prior to this large acquisition, Tang Capital had smaller positions in AUPH:
As of December 31, 2023: 550,000 shares worth $4.9 million
As of September 30, 2023: 750,000 shares worth $5.8 million
Impact
This recent purchase represents a major increase in Tang Capital's stake in Aurinia Pharmaceuticals:
It's described as a "significant acquisition" that "significantly bolsters" Tang Capital's position in AUPH
The 7.2 million share purchase is over 10 times larger than their previous position
Filing Details
Tang Capital filed a Schedule 13D form to disclose this large acquisition
The 13D was filed on September 12, 2024
This type of filing indicates Tang Capital may intend to actively influence the company's business strategy
This substantial increase in ownership suggests Tang Capital sees significant potential in Aurinia Pharmaceuticals and may seek to play a more active role in the company's direction going forward.


Kiwi

You shrink the size of the board to get better control to facilitate a sale ....this has Tangs MOA ( method of action ) all over it

https://www.insightia.com/tang-exits-la-jolla-in-buyout/
Kiwi

The Board has appointed Kevin Tang, President of Tang Capital Management, LLC, a life sciences-focused investment company that he founded in 2002, as a Director. Mr. Tang has more than 20 years of experience investing in, governing and leading companies in the biopharmaceutical industry.

As noted earlier ...Tang's investment in AUPH appears to be very recent . For him to actually want to spend time on this BOD indicates a semi activist role . He's calling the shots and the current Ceo is just the administrator and keeping him in place makes it easier to facilitate a sale ...which is what Tang wants
No position
Good luck
Kiwi

There is a pretty active discussion of AUPH on StockTwits.

I am inclined to agree with some of the posters there who think we will soon see Tang lead a "private equity take under" at a relatively low price. THis seems to have been his MO in the past.

If that happens I will be disappointed to get a far lower price than we had hoped for over the last several years, but I will also feel relief to get some closure and move on.

The fact that they released OUTSIDE directors suggests they are not overly concerned about corporate governance issues over the long term, which further suggests a resolution in the (relative) short term.

Why PG stays on the board I don't know. If there are negotiations in flight, I can see the board saying "we need to keep PG as CEO and point person in those negotiations", but he doesn't need to be on the board for that. Now that I think of it, I imagine PG told the rest of the board "if you accept my resignation I will walk away and you will need to start over on making a deal" (out of vanity and to keep "was voted off the BoD off of his resume) and the board caved.

Certainly, the fact that PG was retained suggests a deal in the near term is the most likely end game, though probably not at the premium we would have liked.

What do you make of this ? Tang is now on the BOD and wants this company sold ...thats what I make of it .
They finally got around to a BAFF/ APRIL drug ...first person dosed ....just years behind VERA who already have the same drug P3 ready .
Aurinia Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ: AUPH) (Aurinia or the Company) announced today that the first participant has been dosed in a Phase 1a single ascending dose (SAD) study of AUR200, a differentiated, potential best-in-class therapy for autoimmune diseases that targets both BAFF (B-cell Activating Factor) and APRIL (A Proliferation-Inducing Ligand).


Meanwhile thx to KOL's on Healio sites visited by Nephrologists ...scripts are likely to improve .
But Tang knows better LN drugs are on the horizon ...so get this Co sold
JMO
Kiwi

it's the peter principle.
the BoD obviously feels that no one can continue to do a worse job than pete and to replace him with a ceo that could turn the company profitable and provide shareholders with a roi would show those that have yet to realize just how worthless pettie is a wake up call, so go back to sleep peeps.

just like trump is fighting to give the country back to it's legal citizens, yet half of the country is too stupid to appreciate it.

What do you make of all this?

I'm somewhat baffled by the cryptic content of this press release.

Waiting for the wannabe board oracle, who fancies himself as "a very stable genius" to weigh in and enlighten us.

Hoping for the best here

GLTA

Well the “exceptional circumstances” peaks my interest. If they are in some position that might lead to say a sale of the company then this may make sense. Otherwise. ……. Waiting to see if we hear anything from Lucien.

It sounds like we r at then. He’s staying on the board I’m guessing to finish up the BO negotiations n finally sell AUPH so we all get out of this nightmare

yeah - frustrating. Even worse is that all the voters would have loved to vote him out as CEO as well.

Voted out but bod says he should stay. That's some corrupt sht right there. Unbelievable

8K out AH indicating that while 3 directors' resignations were accepted (and therefore they are gone), PG's resignation from the BoD was not accepted due to "exceptional circumstances (so PG stays on the BoD). Kevin Tang of Tang Investments now on BoD. Separately, Tang Capital filed a 13D indicating they own 5.1% of AUPH.

What do you make of all this?

https://archive.fast-edgar.com/20240912/AJ2ZE22C822272B2222K2242V8RTZ2228S62/

ROCKVILLE, Md. & EDMONTON, Alberta--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Aurinia Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ: AUPH) (Aurinia or the Company) announced today that the first participant has been dosed in a Phase 1a single ascending dose (SAD) study of AUR200, a differentiated, potential best-in-class therapy for autoimmune diseases that targets both BAFF (B-cell Activating Factor) and APRIL (A Proliferation-Inducing Ligand).

So VERA already has this P 3 ready ( a drug that targets both BAFF and APRIL ) .....while AUPH starts a P1

Kiwi

RMB. The LN video featuring a KOL using Lupkynis has been out for about 3 wks on the Healio Nephrology site ...a site my wife and other prescribers with CKD patients regularly visit. So I would expect an uptick in sales / scripts following this presentation.

Waiting in the wings tho are other drugs likely to enter P 3 trials and are probably more effective .
Chk this Sept 24 presentation from VERA
https://ir.veratx.com/static-files/469e722f-5da8-4dad-9a54-e52ba68596f7

VERA is currently focusing their efforts on IgAN with key data Q4 2024 ...see page 10 of their presentation re comparing to Benlysta
JMO
No position in AUPH ...altho I wouldn't sell it right now if I owned it . I'd like to see script data thru end of year
I do have a position in VERA

Kiwi

Could, Japan approval is a possibility, since the news of the dosing of the first patient in the AUR200 trial was yesterday so it shouldn't be that. Of course we are always last to know.

Maybe it is investors seeing the video that Kiwi posted about a few days ago?

Hope there is a "very good" reason for
the price & vole increase today. I figure
Japanese approval would only rate as a
good reason. Management here has
proved to be unethical if not also doing
things that are illegal. Hope the BOD
members who are obligated to leave do
just that without having to be forced out.
Maybe, just maybe that will be enough to
get them to a point where a BO would be
something that management actually would
work towards. Today's stock action at least
provides me with a scintilla of hope!

Making an exit at a loss. This was a disaster lol.

Sucking in more bagholders. This is and will always be AUPHUL

I'm still here. It's been seven and a half years, but I'm still here. Avg cost around $10

This is fairly new and an excellent video for Nephrologists treating LN .
Its a Healio video that I suggest those invested in AUPH try and access
In this video, Craig Gordon, MD, nephrologist at Tufts Medical Center and associate professor of medicine at Tufts University School of Medicine, goes over the results and discusses this case of lupus nephritis:


Kiwi

Thank you Kiwi. In the middle of trying to book Covid shots and their site is overloaded and jammed (CVS).

RMB. Theres a new video out on Healio / Nephrology that prescribers in the field are probably aware of .
I can't seem to link it but maybe you can
Explains the decision tree and how they ended up using Lupkynis with good results

In this video, Craig Gordon, MD, nephrologist at Tufts Medical Center and associate professor of medicine at Tufts University School of Medicine, introduces a case of lupus nephritis:

Editor’s note: The following is an automatically generated transcript of the above video.

"I want to introduce myself. My name is Dr. Craig Gordon. I'm an associate professor of medicine at Tufts University School of Medicine and I work in the Tufts Medical Center Center for Glomerular Diseases. And today, we're going to be discussing the case of a young woman with lupus nephritis and to consider questions that all of us are grappling with since the fairly recent publications of randomized control trials of belimumab (Benlysta, GlaxoSmithKline), as well as voclosporin (Lupkynis, Aurinia), as well as the recently published 2024 update to the KDIGO guidelines on lupus nephritis.

I think a lot of treating clinicians are trying to come to grips with which patients would benefit from the addition of either belimumab or voclosporin to standard induction therapy for lupus. And so, I'm going to use a case to help us start the process of thinking about this when faced with seeing a patient with lupus nephritis and to highlight your attention to some very helpful guidance that's been provided by the KDIGO guidelines on lupus nephritis published earlier this year."


And then he finish's with
"Pleased to report that almost six months into this course, she's had a very nice response. Her proteinuria has improved from a peak of around 12.6 grams to recently, a few weeks ago, down to 1.9 grams, with a concomitant improvement in her serum albumin to 3.8 grams per deciliter. Her eGFR has been stable, the most recent value of 89 MLs per minute. Her complement values have returned to normal and double-stranded DNA have normalized as well. So she continues at the present time on full-dose mycophenolate and voclosporin (Lupkynis, Aurinia). We've nearly completely tapered her off prednisone and expect to do so in the next few weeks.

This is great for prescribers ...experts in the field reporting experience with the drug .
Patients definitely want to get off the steroids ( prednisone )


Kiwi

We’ll probably get a news soon. How impactful the news is, remains to be seen. Unfortunately, the ones responsible for moving the needle in the last few days may have friends in high places or dark places. I can’t fathom why this would stay low for a long time given it is the only medicine to treat this condition efficaciously and safely, jmo.

Just get the feeling that something is going on behind the scenes. The stock price would have normally been hammered back down by now (after the little pop over 6) but it seems to slowly be continuing the march upward. Time will tell, as we are always the last to know.

I sold all the AUPH in my IRA yesterday, you're welcome everyone haha

Trash but carefully manipulated trash so there is that.

Completely agree with you on this

PG and those directors have no shame so doubtful Selce’s letter spurs them to do anything, so I guess Selce has to rely on Iljin calling for an emergency meeting.

August 13, 2024
Aurinia Pharmaceuticals Shareholder Calls for CEO Peter Greenleaf, Dr. Brinda Balakrishnan, and Dr. Robert Foster to Resign from the Board
Highlights Damning Annual General Meeting Results, Which Show That Four of the Company’s Nine Directors Failed to Receive a Majority of the Votes

Calls on the Company to Appoint Two Shareholder Representatives to Bring Much-Needed Accountability to the Boardroom

August 13, 2024 08:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time
GENEVA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Lucien Selce, who owns approximately 2.2% of the outstanding shares of Aurinia Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ: AUPH) (“Aurinia” or the “Company”), today issued the below open letter to the Board of Directors (the “Board”) regarding the urgent need for accountability and boardroom changes.

***

August 13, 2024

Aurinia Pharmaceuticals Inc.
#140, 14315 – 118 Avenue
Edmonton, AB T5L 4S6
Canada
Attention: The Board of Directors

Members of the Board,

Over the past few months, I have expressed my concerns regarding the Company’s current strategy and trajectory due to the Board’s lack of appropriate oversight and relevant skillsets. Recent developments following the 2024 Annual General Meeting (the “AGM”) have made clear that current leadership has no interest in acting in shareholders’ best interests and in protecting the future of the Company.

The fact that four of the nine directors up for re-election at the 2024 AGM, including CEO Peter Greenleaf, failed to secure a majority of the votes speaks volumes about the need for boardroom change and a new strategy for value creation.1 The current state of affairs at Aurinia – marked by unchecked spending, ineffective leadership, and a clear lack of strategic direction – demands immediate and decisive action.

Aurinia Has Spent Excessive Capital Without Focusing on Research and Development (“R&D”)

The Company has recklessly spent $100 million in just six months, yet there has been little to no investment in R&D, which is the cornerstone of Aurinia’s future growth. This irresponsible financial management is unacceptable. Aurinia should be operated efficiently with a budget of $70 million – not $150 million. The current financial strategy is unsustainable and detrimental to shareholder value.
Management Continues to Pursue an Ineffective Strategy

In February 2024, the Company publicly announced the discontinuation of AUR200. Then, during the Q2 2024 earnings call, Mr. Greenleaf reversed this decision, stating that its development had resumed. This inconsistency not only undermines the credibility of the Company’s leadership, but also raises serious concerns about transparency with the market.
Moreover, during the same earnings call, it was openly acknowledged that the Company struggled to achieve the expected sales of LUPKYNIS. In addition, ADALVO (a generic drug manufacturer) has come up with a Voclosporin-based product, akin to a generic version of LUPKYNIS. This development, which could upset the Company’s competitive position, was not even discussed by management.
Leadership Has a Track Record of Ignoring Shareholders’ Interests

Despite announcing a $150 million share repurchase program in February 2024, only $18 million has been spent over the last six months, even as the Company continues to trade at rock bottom levels. This lack of action is a missed opportunity to support the share price and demonstrates poor judgment by leadership.
After being voted out at the recent AGM, Mr. Greenleaf and three other directors remain in their positions. The Board’s failure to accept conditional director resignations and Mr. Greenleaf’s avoidance of this topic during the latest earnings call demonstrate a blatant disregard for shareholders’ votes and sound governance.
The issues outlined above highlight the urgent need for effective oversight and changes to the composition of the Board. In my view, the only way the Company can improve its trajectory and begin creating value for shareholders is by taking the below steps:

Dr. Brinda Balakrishnan, Dr. Robert T. Foster, and Mr. Greenleaf should each submit their immediate firm (not provisional) resignations, as they have failed in their respective roles. At the 2024 AGM, 52.5% of shareholders withheld support for Dr. Balakrishnan, 51.8% withheld support for Mr. Greenleaf, and Dr. Foster was narrowly elected with just 51.4% support.2 These three directors should be held responsible for the lack of meaningful M&A activity, the absence of significant research initiatives, and the consistent failure to meet the Company’s objectives.
The Board should appoint two shareholder representatives: one from MKT Capital and one from ILJIN SNT Co., Ltd. (“ILJIN”). This will ensure that the interests of the Company’s owners are directly represented in all strategic decisions moving forward.
The Board should reduce its size to streamline decision-making and enhance accountability.
ILJIN, a significant shareholder of Aurinia, should call for an Extraordinary General Meeting as soon as possible. This meeting is essential to address the aforementioned urgent issues, execute necessary leadership changes, and realign the Company’s strategic direction with shareholders’ interests.
The time for change is now. Continued mismanagement of Aurinia threatens the future of our Company and the value we, as shareholders, have entrusted to you. I expect immediate action to rectify these issues.

Furthermore, I want to emphasize that under no circumstances should the Board proceed with acquiring additional assets that could jeopardize the Company's cash flow and financial stability. This reckless behavior must be halted to preserve the long-term health of Aurinia.

Sincerely,

Lucien Selce

***

________________________

1


Company’s Form 8-K dated June 14, 2024.

2 Company’s Form 8-K dated June 14, 2024.


Contacts
Lucien Selce
Lucienselce@gmail.com

You rang???

I got a kick out of this line from PG re this earnings report:

“Additionally, achieving positive free cash flow ahead of our initial projections further strengthens our financial position and allows more flexibility to explore opportunities to diversify our portfolio," said Peter Greenleaf, President and Chief Executive Officer of Aurinia”

They can’t monetize their current assets, he thinks acquiring more assets is the answer. LOL.

pete has set the bar so low that he feels that the stock only being .15 cents lower than when he became ceo justifies his 1.7million dollar salary puss millions in free stock.
not only does he follow the Peter Principle but he gets his management advice from joe and cameltoe.

I understand how you cannot see another person as being successful seeing how you years of employment peaked when you finally learned how to say "would you like fries with that" so you could keep your job!
I never disclose holdings of stocks only ignorant investors would do that. suffice to say in the last 40 years I have never had a stock purchase of less than a block of 1000 shares. And if that was all I had it would tenfold your holdings here.

Dump it ( AUPH ) and buy ARDX ...if Co ( ARDX ) prevails against CMS via the Kidney Patient Act or their lawsuit ...far greater upside by end of year
JMO
Kiwi

He said he used to be a CEO. I wonder what kind of company he CEO’d. He was blaming his brother for blocking him from selling half his holdings (who knows, 750 shares?). We had one like him from another bought biotech who’s posting here but he’s a milder one. He’s the one referred to as Gadfly by zzzzzz.

I was wrong in my assumption.

I'm a charter member of the club that has been wrong about him. For years I thought his pointless, worthless posts were a cry for help, and that he must have someone who cares about him enough to get him some professional help.

But if that/those person(s) even existed, they have clearly failed so far. I say that because if he is institutionalized presently, he's somehow able to have internet access, which is most unfortunate.

I like to think that everyone has at least some value, but he's really demonstrating how wrong that assumption is.

He might be the dumbest investor in history; if the Olympics had such a competition, he deserves to be a world champion.

Still here holding my bags. This tunnel is long and dark, let there be light!

If the current price holds till 4 pm, yeah the shorts are worried that there may be a showstopper announcement tomorrow or there could be a good ER leak, JMHO.

I think they might be more worried that AUPH would finally announce management changes...

Everyone knows there aren't any earnings to speak of.

I think they might be more worried that AUPH would finally announce management changes...

Everyone knows there aren't any earnings to speak of.

Could it be shorts are worried about earnings tomorrow?

You ask a good question. One would hope that Aurinia would have the data to answer your questions.

It has been a number of years since L approval and the company has not made much headway with insurance coverage. On top of that they supposedly have a huge margin on L. The question is how will insurance coverage improve and scripts jump for every X dollars drop in price. But whatever they are doing doesn’t seem to be working to the degree that would fulfill the promise of L for LN patients. L costs more than double what Belimumab costs. Bringing those prices closer together might be in order.