AUPH

Aurinia Pharmaceuticals commercializes and develops therapies for rare autoimmune diseases, focusing on its approved drug LUPKYNIS treating lupus nephritis, a severe kidney inflammation affecting lupus patients. Headquartered in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada with U.S. commercial operations based in Rockville, Maryland, Aurinia achieved FDA approval for LUPKYNIS (voclosporin) in January 2021, representing the first oral treatment specifically approved for active lupus nephritis when used with background immunosuppressive therapy. LUPKYNIS functions as a calcineurin inhibitor modulating immune responses driving kidney inflammation, demonstrating superior efficacy versus standard care alone in achieving complete renal response defined as normalized kidney function markers and reduced protein in urine. The company markets LUPKYNIS through a specialty sales force targeting rheumatologists and nephrologists treating lupus patients, with commercial launch generating rapidly growing revenues exceeding $200 million annually as physician adoption accelerates and reimbursement access expands across commercial and government payers. Aurinia's development pipeline explores LUPKYNIS applications in additional autoimmune kidney diseases including IgA nephropathy and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis where calcineurin inhibition may provide therapeutic benefits, plus early research programs investigating novel immunomodulatory compounds. The company faces competition from established immunosuppressives including mycophenolate and cyclophosphamide used off-label for lupus nephritis, plus emerging therapies from GlaxoSmithKline and other pharmaceutical companies pursuing novel lupus treatments. Recent strategic priorities include expanding LUPKYNIS label indications through additional clinical trials, international market launches following regulatory approvals in Europe and other regions, and lifecycle management initiatives including developing extended-release formulations improving dosing convenience. Aurinia reported improving financial performance transitioning from development-stage losses to operational profitability as LUPKYNIS revenues scale while managing commercial infrastructure costs including sales forces, medical affairs teams, and patient access programs supporting prescription growth. The company employs approximately 400 people supporting commercial operations, clinical development, and corporate functions.