** Shares of Vera Therapeutics VERA.O rise 2.9% to $34.92 premarket

** VERA says it has aligned with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to speed up plans that could lead to full approval of its experimental kidney disease drug, atacicept

** Says the FDA has agreed to review key data from a late-stage study earlier than planned, with results now expected in Q3 2026, instead of 2027

** Vera plans to apply for supplemental application in Q4 based on additional trial data

** Atacicept is already under review by the FDA for accelerated approval in patients with IgA Nephropathy, with a decision expected on July 7

** IgA nephropathy is an autoimmune condition that can lead to kidney failure

** Up to last close, stock down about 33% YTD