Exagen Inc. and Johns Hopkins University Announce License Agreement for Novel Patented Lupus Nephritis Biomarkers

Rhea-AI Summary

Exagen Inc. (Nasdaq: XGN) and Johns Hopkins University announced an exclusive license agreement to develop novel patented biomarkers for therapeutic management of lupus nephritis patients. The agreement grants Exagen worldwide exclusive rights to an invention from the laboratory of Michelle Petri, MD, MPH, and Andrea Fava, MD. The biomarkers aim to provide unique clinical insight into a patient’s lupus nephritis in a non-invasive manner, aiding diagnostic and treatment decisions.

SAN DIEGO, California, Nov. 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Exagen Inc. (Nasdaq: XGN), a leading provider of autoimmune testing solutions, and Johns Hopkins University jointly announced today the execution of an exclusive license agreement. Exagen will focus on the development of novel patented biomarkers for therapeutic management of patients with lupus nephritis.

Under the terms of the license agreement, Exagen will acquire a worldwide exclusive license to an invention from the laboratory of Michelle Petri, MD, MPH, and Andrea Fava, MD. Exagen intends to develop the novel biomarkers into assays to aid diagnostic and treatment decisions by providing unique clinical insight into a specific patient’s lupus nephritis in a non-invasive manner.

“We are very excited to accelerate the development of these highly innovative biomarkers for lupus nephritis patient management. Exagen has a strong track record of serving clinicians in the autoimmune space and having the opportunity to work with this exceptional team further reinforces our commitment to developing novel technology in this space,” said John Aballi, President and CEO of Exagen Inc.

About Exagen Inc.

Exagen is a leading provider of autoimmune testing and its purpose as an organization is to provide clarity in autoimmune disease decision making with the goal of improving patients’ clinical outcomes. Exagen is located in San Diego County, California.

For more information, please visit Exagen.com and follow @ExagenInc on Twitter.

Forward Looking Statements

Exagen cautions you that statements contained in this press release regarding matters that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on Exagen’s current beliefs and expectations. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the expected benefits of the collaboration with Johns Hopkins University and any development and commercialization of novel patented biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis and monitoring of autoimmune diseases. The inclusion of forward-looking statements should not be regarded as a representation by Exagen that any of its plans will be achieved. Actual results may differ from those set forth in this press release due to the risks and uncertainties inherent in Exagen’s business, including, without limitation: delays in reimbursement and coverage decisions from Medicare and third-party payors and in interactions with regulatory authorities, and delays in ongoing and planned clinical trials involving its tests; Exagen’s commercial success depends upon attaining and maintaining significant market acceptance of its testing products among rheumatologists, patients, third-party payors and others in the medical community; Exagen’s ability to successfully execute on its business strategies; third-party payors not providing coverage and adequate reimbursement for Exagen’s testing products, including Exagen’s ability to collect on funds due; Exagen’s ability to obtain and maintain intellectual property protection for its testing products; regulatory developments affecting Exagen’s business; and other risks described in Exagen’s prior press releases and Exagen’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including under the heading “Risk Factors” in Exagen’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 and any subsequent filings with the SEC. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof, and Exagen undertakes no obligation to update such statements to reflect events that occur or circumstances that exist after the date hereof. All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement, which is made under the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

Investor Relations
Exagen Inc.
Ryan Douglas
rdouglas@exagen.com
760.560.1525

Company
Exagen Inc.
Kamal Adawi, Chief Financial Officer
kadawi@exagen.com

What is the latest announcement from Exagen Inc. (Nasdaq: XGN)?

Exagen Inc. (Nasdaq: XGN) has announced an exclusive license agreement with Johns Hopkins University to develop novel patented biomarkers for lupus nephritis patient management.

What does the license agreement entail for Exagen Inc. (Nasdaq: XGN)?

Under the agreement, Exagen will acquire a worldwide exclusive license to an invention from the laboratory of Michelle Petri, MD, MPH, and Andrea Fava, MD, to develop novel biomarkers into assays for lupus nephritis patient management.

How will the biomarkers benefit lupus nephritis patients?

The biomarkers aim to provide unique clinical insight into a specific patient’s lupus nephritis in a non-invasive manner, aiding diagnostic and treatment decisions.