RemeGen , a commercial-stage biotechnology company, obtained Fast Track Designation (FTD) by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently for its innovative BLyS/APRIL dual-target fusion protein drug, Telitacicept (RC18), independently developed by RemeGen for the treatment of patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS). The FDA grants FTD to accelerate the development and review of new drugs that have the potential to treat life-threatening conditions and address unmet medical needs.

Primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) is a common rheumatic disease characterized by autoimmune exocrinopathy that clinically manifests as dry eyes and mouth caused by glandular dysfunction as a result of autoimmune damage with multiple organ systems also at risk of being affected. Studies have shown that B-cells are key immune cells involved in the pathogenesis of pSS, and excessive activation of B-cells is a pathogenic indicator of pSS that has long been regarded as a key target for intervention.

Independently developed by RemeGen, Telitacicept is an innovative BLyS/APRIL dual-target fusion protein drug that simultaneously inhibits the overexpression of two cytokines, B-cell lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS) and a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL). Telitacicept prevents abnormal differentiation and maturation of B-cells through a two-pronged approach, thereby treating various autoimmune diseases mediated by B-cells. In December 2023, Telitacicept was granted Investigational New Drug (IND) by the FDA for the treatment of active pSS in adults. A phase III clinical trial for this indication is currently underway in China.

Dr. Jianmin Fang, CEO of RemeGen, commented, "As the first fusion protein drug of its kind independently developed by RemeGen, we are delighted the FDA has recognized Telitacicept for fast track designation. It has performed well in clinical studies for multiple indications that have been marketed in China, including primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with rheumatoid arthritis, igA nephritis, and myasthenia gravis (MG) in the pipeline. Multiple Phase III clinical trials are progressing smoothly both domestically and abroad and we are accelerating global development of multiple indications of Telitacicept, and we are confident of cementing a leadership position in B-cell-mediated autoimmunity drugs."