Aurinia starts PRESERVE trial combining LUPKYNIS with biologics in lupus nephritis

Aurinia Pharmaceuticals announced on October 30, 2026 that it has initiated PRESERVE, a Phase 4, multicenter study investigating the combination of LUPKYNIS and belimumab, obinutuzumab or anifrolumab in patients with lupus nephritis.¹ The three biologics have different mechanisms: belimumab is a B cell-activating factor (BAFF) inhibitor indicated for both systemic lupus erythematosus and lupus nephritis, obinutuzumab is a CD20-directed cytolytic antibody indicated for lupus nephritis, and anifrolumab is a type 1 interferon receptor antagonist indicated for SLE.¹ The study will test whether the multi-target approach of combining LUPKYNIS with these biologic agents improves outcomes in patients with lupus nephritis.¹ Aurinia plans to enroll approximately 150 patients across approximately 50 sites in the US¹, with a primary endpoint of the proportion of patients achieving complete renal response (CRR) at 6 months.¹

On the pipeline side, Aurinia said it has now initiated clinical development of aritinercept in four potential indications.¹ Aritinercept is described as a dual inhibitor of B cell-activating factor (BAFF) and a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL) for the potential treatment of autoimmune diseases.¹

Financially, Aurinia raised its 2026 outlook, increasing total revenue guidance from a range of $315 million to $325 million to a range of $325 million to $330 million,¹ and narrowing net product sales guidance from $305 million to $315 million to a range of $310 million to $315 million.¹

As of September 30, 2026, the company reported cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and investments of $486.9 million, compared to $398.0 million at December 31, 2025.¹ Cash flow during the first nine months of 2026 reflected financing outflows of $53.2 million, which primarily included the repurchase of 5.0 million of the Company's common shares for $74.9 million, partially offset by proceeds from issuance of common shares for equity awards, net of tax withholding payments, of $35.9 million.¹