Why Is Kidney Disease-Focused Alpine Immune Sciences Stock Trading Higher On Wednesday?

Alpine Immune Sciences Inc ALPN is reportedly considering strategic options, including a potential sale, following interest from potential buyers. 

The Seattle-based firm is working closely with advisors and evaluating various possibilities, and at least one major pharmaceutical player has expressed interest in an acquisition.

While discussions are ongoing, Bloomberg cautioned, citing sources familiar with the matter, that no decision has been made, and there’s no assurance that Alpine Immune will indeed pursue a sale. 

Over the past year, Alpine Immune stock has surged from $7.43 to $38.94, more than 400%.

In November 2023, Alpine Immune presented the first clinical data of povetacicept in autoimmune glomerulonephritis during a late-breaking session at the American Society of Nephrology (ASN) Kidney Week, sending shares jump almost 40%.

In IgAN, treatment with low-dose povetacicept, 80 mg SC every four weeks, was associated with clinically meaningful improvements in proteinuria, with a 53.5% reduction from baseline in UPCR (n=5) at 24 weeks. 

Established in 2015, Alpine Immune specializes in developing therapies for autoimmune and inflammatory conditions. 

The company is scheduled to unveil updated data on April 15 regarding the safety and efficacy of its primary product, Povetacicept, for a kidney disease characterized by renal damage impairing filtration functions.

Interest in addressing chronic kidney diseases has surged among major pharmaceutical firms. 

Last year, Novartis AG NVS acquired Chinook Therapeutics Inc. for a potential $3.2 billion deal, primarily to access promising treatments for a rare kidney ailment.

Price Action: ALPN shares are up 15.50% at $44.98 on the last check Wednesday.