Viela Bio, Inc. announced the final data from its Phase 1b trial of VIB7734 in patients with cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE). VIB7734 is a monoclonal antibody that targets plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC), a cell type thought to play a critical role in the pathogenesis of lupus and other autoimmune diseases. In this trial, treatment with VIB7734 was shown to potently deplete pDC, both in blood and in CLE skin lesions. Most patients experienced a clinically significant reduction in the extent and severity of skin lesions following treatment with VIB7734. Rates of adverse events were similar between VIB7734 and placebo groups. This Phase 1b clinical study enrolled three cohorts and was designed to evaluate the safety and tolerability of VIB7734 when given by three monthly subcutaneous doses at escalating dose levels. Cohort 1 enrolled patients with several autoimmune diseases thought to be driven by pDCs. Cohorts 2 and 3 enrolled active CLE patients with a CLASI-A = 8. In cohorts 2 and 3, skin biopsies were taken before treatment and at Month 3 to enumerate pDCs and measure interferon mediated gene expression. A clinical disease activity score (CLASI-A) was also periodically measured in cohorts 2 and 3. The study enrolled a total of 31 patients.