Jade Bio’s Novel Approach to IgAN & Autoimmunity Fuels $135M Funding Round

SAN FRANCISCO, CA & VANCOUVER, BC – November 13, 2025 – Jade Biosciences, a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing therapies for autoimmune diseases, has announced positive preclinical data for its lead asset, JADE101, an anti-APRIL antibody for IgA nephropathy (IgAN), and the initiation of a Phase 1 trial. Coupled with progress on its JADE201 (anti-BAFF-R) program and a recently completed $135 million private placement, the company appears poised for significant growth. This surge in investment and clinical momentum underscores a potential shift in the treatment landscape for both IgAN and broader autoimmune conditions.

JADE101: Challenging the Status Quo in IgAN

IgAN, a chronic kidney disease, currently lacks truly effective long-term treatments. While existing therapies focus on managing symptoms, Jade Biosciences is targeting the underlying pathology with JADE101. Preclinical studies, recently presented at both the European Renal Association (ERA) Congress and the American Society of Nephrology (ASN) Kidney Week, have demonstrated the antibody’s remarkable potency. The data revealed a significantly higher APRIL binding affinity – approximately 750 times that of sibeprenlimab, another late-stage anti-APRIL candidate – and a prolonged half-life, lasting nearly four times longer.

“The extended half-life is particularly encouraging,” noted one independent immunology expert. “It suggests that JADE101 could potentially be administered less frequently than other therapies, improving patient compliance and quality of life.”

The antibody also showed selective immunomodulation, reducing levels of IgA and IgM without significantly impacting IgG, minimizing potential off-target effects. Importantly, preclinical safety data revealed a favorable profile with no signs of tissue cross-reactivity or interference with vaccine responses. These promising results have propelled JADE101 into a Phase 1 clinical trial in healthy volunteers, with interim data anticipated in the first half of 2026.

Expanding the Pipeline with JADE201

Beyond JADE101, Jade Biosciences is also making strides with JADE201, an anti-BAFF-R antibody. BAFF-R plays a crucial role in B cell activation and survival, making it a validated target for autoimmune diseases. While belimumab (Benlysta) is an approved anti-BAFF therapy, JADE201 aims to differentiate itself through a dual mechanism of action.

“The goal is to not only block BAFF signaling but also enhance effector functions to directly eliminate B cells,” explained a source familiar with the program. “This combined approach could potentially lead to more robust and durable responses.”

JADE201 is being developed with half-life extension technology, which could further improve its convenience and efficacy. The company plans to initiate a first-in-human trial in rheumatoid arthritis in the first half of 2026, expanding the pipeline beyond kidney disease and into broader autoimmune indications.

$135M Investment Fuels Future Growth

The recently completed $135 million private placement provides Jade Biosciences with a substantial financial runway, extending into the first half of 2028. This capital infusion will be instrumental in advancing both JADE101 and JADE201 through clinical development.

According to financial analysts, the size of the round reflects strong investor confidence in the company’s technology and pipeline. “The preclinical data are compelling, and the company is addressing significant unmet needs in large patient populations,” noted one biotech investment analyst. “The funding allows them to de-risk their programs and potentially reach key inflection points.”

The company intends to use the funds to complete the Phase 1 trial for JADE101, initiate the Phase 1 trial for JADE201, and further expand its research and development capabilities. The investment will also support manufacturing scale-up to ensure sufficient supply for clinical trials and, potentially, commercial launch. The successful financing underscores the growing investor interest in autoimmune disease therapies and innovative approaches to targeting the underlying drivers of these debilitating conditions. The company has not yet disclosed specific investor details, but sources suggest the round included a mix of existing and new institutional investors with a long-term focus on biotechnology.