The New England Journal of Medicine Publishes Positive Phase 3 VALIANT Results of EMPAVELI® (pegcetacoplan) for C3G and Primary IC-MPGN

• Robust and clinically meaningful benefits across all three key markers of disease – 68% reduction in proteinuria, stabilization of kidney function, and substantial clearance of C3 deposits
  
  
• Consistent results across adolescent and adult patients with C3G and primary IC-MPGN, including patients with C3G recurring after transplant
  
  
• EMPAVELI is the first FDA-approved treatment for C3G and primary IC-MPGN patients 12 and older
  
  

WALTHAM, Mass., Dec. 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Apellis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: APLS) today announced that The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) published positive results from the Phase 3 VALIANT study investigating EMPAVELI^® (pegcetacoplan) for C3 glomerulopathy (C3G) and primary immune complex membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (IC-MPGN), which are severe and rare kidney diseases.

“The positive data published in the New England Journal of Medicine underscore the unprecedented benefits of EMPAVELI across all three key markers of disease,” said Carla Nester, M.D., MSA, FASN, senior author, professor of internal medicine and pediatrics and director of pediatric nephrology, University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital. “C3G and primary IC-MPGN often lead to kidney failure, and the need for a kidney transplant or dialysis can be devastating. EMPAVELI represents a significant advance in treatment, and I’m thrilled that patients now have access to this important medicine.”  

The data published in NEJM highlight the positive Phase 3 VALIANT results at Week 26, which were consistent across adolescent and adult patients with C3G and primary IC-MPGN, including patients with C3G recurring after transplant. EMPAVELI demonstrated benefits across all three key markers of disease:

• Proteinuria reduction: The study met its primary endpoint, demonstrating a statistically significant 68% (p<0.0001) proteinuria reduction in EMPAVELI-treated patients compared to placebo.
• Stabilization of kidney function: EMPAVELI-treated patients achieved stabilization of kidney function, with a difference of +6.3 mL/min/1.73 m² compared to placebo (nominal p=0.03) as measured by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).
• Reduction of C3 staining: A majority of EMPAVELI-treated patients achieved a reduction in C3 staining intensity (nominal p<0.0001) compared to placebo. 71% of EMPAVELI-treated patients achieved zero C3 staining intensity, demonstrating complete clearance of C3 deposits. 
  
  

“This marks the first time pivotal trial results for a C3G or primary IC-MPGN treatment have been featured in this leading medical journal,” said Peter Hillmen, M.B., Ch.B., Ph.D., chief medical advisor, rare disease, Apellis. “The results show that EMPAVELI has the potential to be life-changing for patients, regardless of their disease type, age, or transplant status. Following the recent FDA approval of EMPAVELI, we are encouraged by the strong response from the nephrology community and growing number of patients starting treatment, and we remain focused on reaching more people living with C3G and primary IC-MPGN.”

EMPAVELI showed favorable safety and tolerability in the VALIANT study, consistent with its established profile. The most common adverse reactions in VALIANT (≥10%) were infusion site reactions, pyrexia, nasopharyngitis, influenza, cough, and nausea. Across more than 2,750 patient-years of clinical and real-world experience with EMPAVELI in all approved indications, there have been zero cases of meningococcal infection due to encapsulated bacteria reported to date.

Results from the VALIANT study at one year were at the European Renal Association Congress and ASN Kidney Week, showing sustained improvements in key markers of disease as well as favorable safety and tolerability.

EMPAVELI was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on July 28, 2025. In the European Union, Apellis’ partner, Sobi®, expects an opinion by the European Medicines Agency’s (EMA) Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) before year-end.

About C3 Glomerulopathy (C3G) and Primary Immune Complex Membranoproliferative Glomerulonephritis (IC-MPGN)

C3G and primary IC-MPGN are rare and debilitating kidney diseases that can lead to kidney failure. Excessive C3 deposits are a key marker of disease activity, which can lead to kidney inflammation, damage, and failure. Approximately 50% of people living with C3G and primary IC-MPGN suffer from kidney failure within five to 10 years of diagnosis, requiring a burdensome kidney transplant or lifelong dialysis therapy.^1-3 Additionally, approximately 90% of patients who previously received a kidney transplant will experience disease recurrence.⁴ The diseases are estimated to affect 5,000 people in the United States and up to 8,000 in Europe.⁵ 

About the VALIANT Study

The VALIANT Phase 3 study () was a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded, multi-center study that evaluated the efficacy and safety of EMPAVELI® (pegcetacoplan) in 124 patients who were 12 years of age and older with C3G or primary IC-MPGN. It is the largest single trial conducted in these populations and the only study to include pediatric and adult patients, with native or post-transplant kidneys. Study participants were randomized to receive EMPAVELI or placebo twice weekly for 26 weeks. Following this 26-week randomized controlled period, patients were able to proceed to a 26-week open-label phase in which all patients received EMPAVELI. The primary endpoint of the study was the log transformed ratio of urine protein-to-creatinine ratio (UPCR) at Week 26 compared to baseline.

About EMPAVELI^® (pegcetacoplan)

EMPAVELI^® (pegcetacoplan) is a targeted C3 therapy designed to regulate excessive activation of the complement cascade, part of the body’s immune system, which can lead to the onset and progression of many serious diseases. It is the first treatment approved in the United States for C3 glomerulopathy (C3G) or primary immune complex membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (IC-MPGN) in patients 12 years of age or older, to reduce proteinuria. EMPAVELI/Aspaveli® is also approved for the treatment of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) in the United States, European Union, and other countries globally. EMPAVELI is being evaluated for the treatment of additional rare diseases.

U.S. Important Safety Information for EMPAVELI

BOXED WARNING: SERIOUS INFECTIONS CAUSED BY ENCAPSULATED BACTERIA

EMPAVELI, a complement inhibitor, increases the risk of serious infections, especially those caused by encapsulated bacteria, such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae type B. Life-threatening and fatal infections with encapsulated bacteria have occurred in patients treated with complement inhibitors. These infections may become rapidly life-threatening or fatal if not recognized and treated early.

• Complete or update vaccination for encapsulated bacteria at least 2 weeks prior to the first dose of EMPAVELI, unless the risks of delaying therapy with EMPAVELI outweigh the risks of developing a serious infection. Comply with the most current Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations for vaccinations against encapsulated bacteria in patients receiving a complement inhibitor.
  
  
• Patients receiving EMPAVELI are at increased risk for invasive disease caused by encapsulated bacteria, even if they develop antibodies following vaccination. Monitor patients for early signs and symptoms of serious infections and evaluate immediately if infection is suspected.
  
  

Because of the risk of serious infections caused by encapsulated bacteria, EMPAVELI is available only through a restricted program under a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) called the EMPAVELI REMS.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

• Hypersensitivity to pegcetacoplan or to any of the excipients
• For initiation in patients with unresolved serious infection caused by encapsulated bacteria including Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae type B

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Serious Infections Caused by Encapsulated Bacteria

EMPAVELI, a complement inhibitor, increases a patient’s susceptibility to serious, life-threatening, or fatal infections caused by encapsulated bacteria including Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis (caused by any serogroup, including non-groupable strains), and Haemophilus influenzae type B. Life-threatening and fatal infections with encapsulated bacteria have occurred in both vaccinated and unvaccinated patients treated with complement inhibitors. The initiation of EMPAVELI treatment is contraindicated in patients with unresolved serious infection caused by encapsulated bacteria.

Complete or update vaccination against encapsulated bacteria at least 2 weeks prior to administration of the first dose of EMPAVELI, according to the most current ACIP recommendations for patients receiving a complement inhibitor. Revaccinate patients in accordance with ACIP recommendations considering the duration of therapy with EMPAVELI. Note that ACIP recommends an administration schedule in patients receiving complement inhibitors that differs from the administration schedule in the vaccine prescribing information. If urgent EMPAVELI therapy is indicated in a patient who is not up to date with vaccines against encapsulated bacteria according to ACIP recommendations, provide the patient with antibacterial drug prophylaxis and administer these vaccines as soon as possible. The benefits and risks of treatment with EMPAVELI, as well as the benefits and risks of antibacterial drug prophylaxis in unvaccinated or vaccinated patients, must be considered against the known risks for serious infections caused by encapsulated bacteria.

Vaccination does not eliminate the risk of serious encapsulated bacterial infections, despite development of antibodies following vaccination. Closely monitor patients for early signs and symptoms of serious infection and evaluate patients immediately if an infection is suspected. Inform patients of these signs and symptoms and instruct patients to seek immediate medical care if these signs and symptoms occur. Promptly treat known infections. Serious infection may become rapidly life-threatening or fatal if not recognized and treated early. Consider interruption of EMPAVELI in patients who are undergoing treatment for serious infections.

EMPAVELI is available only through a restricted program under a REMS.

EMPAVELI REMS

EMPAVELI is available only through a restricted program under a REMS called EMPAVELI REMS, because of the risk of serious infections caused by encapsulated bacteria. Notable requirements of the EMPAVELI REMS include the following:

Under the EMPAVELI REMS, prescribers must enroll in the program. Prescribers must counsel patients about the risks, signs, and symptoms of serious infections caused by encapsulated bacteria, provide patients with the REMS educational materials, ensure patients are vaccinated against encapsulated bacteria at least 2 weeks prior to the first dose of EMPAVELI, prescribe antibacterial drug prophylaxis if patients’ vaccine status is not up to date and treatment must be started urgently, and provide instructions to always carry the Patient Safety Card both during treatment, as well as for 2 months following last dose of EMPAVELI. Pharmacies that dispense EMPAVELI must be certified in the EMPAVELI REMS and must verify prescribers are certified.

Further information is available at or 1-888-343-7073.

Infusion-Related Reactions

Systemic hypersensitivity reactions (eg, facial swelling, rash, urticaria, pyrexia) have occurred in patients treated with EMPAVELI, which may resolve after treatment with antihistamines. Cases of anaphylaxis leading to treatment discontinuation have been reported. If a severe hypersensitivity reaction (including anaphylaxis) occurs, discontinue EMPAVELI infusion immediately, institute appropriate treatment, per standard of care, and monitor until signs and symptoms are resolved.

Interference with Laboratory Tests

There may be interference between silica reagents in coagulation panels and EMPAVELI that results in artificially prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT); therefore, avoid the use of silica reagents in coagulation panels.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

Most common adverse reactions in adult and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older with C3G or primary IC-MPGN (incidence ≥10%) were infusion-site reactions, pyrexia, nasopharyngitis, influenza, cough, and nausea.

USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS

Females of Reproductive Potential

EMPAVELI may cause embryo-fetal harm when administered to pregnant women. Pregnancy testing is recommended for females of reproductive potential prior to treatment with EMPAVELI. Advise female patients of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with EMPAVELI and for 40 days after the last dose.

Please see full , including Boxed WARNING regarding serious infections caused by encapsulated bacteria, and .

About the Apellis and Sobi Collaboration

Apellis and Sobi have global co-development rights for systemic pegcetacoplan. Sobi has exclusive ex-U.S. commercialization rights for systemic pegcetacoplan, and Apellis has exclusive U.S. commercialization rights for systemic pegcetacoplan and worldwide commercial rights for ophthalmological pegcetacoplan, including for geographic atrophy.

About Apellis

Apellis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a global biopharmaceutical company leading the way in complement science to develop life-changing therapies for some of the most challenging diseases patients face. We ushered in the first new class of complement medicine in 15 years and now have two C3-targeting medicines approved to treat four serious diseases. Breakthroughs for patients include the first-ever therapy for geographic atrophy, a leading cause of blindness, and the first treatment for patients 12 and older with C3G or primary IC-MPGN, two severe, rare kidney diseases. We believe we have only begun to unlock the potential of targeting C3 across many serious diseases. For more information, please visit  or follow us on and .

Apellis Forward-Looking Statement 

Statements in this press release about future expectations, plans and prospects, as well as any other statements regarding matters that are not historical facts, may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the potential market opportunity of EMPAVELI for C3G and IC-MPGN. The words “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “target,” “will,” “would” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including whether the clinical trial results of EMPAVELI for C3G and IC-MPGN indicate an effect that is greater than the actual positive effect; and any other factors discussed in the “Risk Factors” section of Apellis’ Annual Report on Form 10-K with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 28, 2025 and the risks described in other filings that Apellis may make with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date hereof, and Apellis specifically disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Media:

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Investors: 

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References

1. Smith RJH, et al. Nat Rev Nephrol. 2019;15(3):129-143.

2. Servais A, et al. Kidney Int. 2012;82(4):454-464.

3. Zand L, et al. J Am Soc Nephrol. 2014;25(5):1110-1117.

4. Tarragón, B, et al. C3 Glomerulopathy Recurs Early after Kidney Transplantation in Serial Biopsies Performed within the First 2 Years after Transplantation. Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology. August 2024; 19(8)1005-1015. doi: 10.2215/CJN.0000000000000474.

5. Data on file using literature consensus.