Atacicept

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Atacicept is a lab-made protein designed to quiet overactive B cells, which can drive autoimmune diseases. It combines parts that grab two signals (BLyS and APRIL) that help B cells grow and survive, with a piece of an antibody. By blocking the TACI receptor on B cells, atacicept reduces B cell activation and lowers the number of mature B cells and plasma cells, with less effect on early B cells and memory B cells.

It has been studied in animals and in people with systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus), rheumatoid arthritis, and optic neuritis. A lupus trial was planned for 2008–2012. Trials in multiple sclerosis failed because patients receiving atacicept had more relapses and new MRI-detected activity than those on placebo.

The drug has also been explored for B-cell cancers such as multiple myeloma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Atacicept was developed by ZymoGenetics in Seattle and was later handed to Merck Serono for further development.