Upstream大涨18%！长效TSLP抗体CRSwNP二期临床成功，欲挑战Sanofi和AZ

Core Viewpoint - Upstream Bio's verkitug has shown promising results in a Phase 2 clinical trial for CRSwNP, leading to an 18% increase in the company's stock price following the announcement [1]. Group 1: Clinical Trial Results - In the Phase 2 clinical trial, 81 adult patients with CRSwNP were randomly assigned to receive either verkitug or a placebo every 12 weeks [3]. - After 24 weeks of treatment, the verkitug group had an average reduction of 1.8 points in the nasal polyp score (NPS) compared to baseline, significantly outperforming the placebo group and achieving the trial's primary endpoint [4]. - The verkitug treatment group reported a 0.8-point reduction in nasal congestion score (NCS) from baseline, indicating improvement in secondary endpoints [4]. - Verkitug significantly reduced the need for systemic corticosteroids or nasal polyp surgery and lowered overall symptom scores [4]. - No serious adverse events were reported during the trial, indicating good safety and tolerability for verkitug [4]. Group 2: Future Development Plans - Upstream plans to continue the clinical development of verkitug after discussions with regulatory agencies and is exploring its potential in other indications, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) [4][6]. - The first dosing in the Phase 2 clinical trial for COPD is scheduled for July 2025, and the company is also conducting a Phase 2 trial for severe asthma, with topline data expected in Q1 2026 [6]. Group 3: Competitive Landscape - The TSLP pathway has become a significant target for treating various inflammatory diseases, including severe asthma and allergic rhinitis, with Dupixent and Tezspire being popular biologics in the market [8]. - Verkitug is expected to challenge the market position of these existing treatments due to its unique mechanism of action, directly blocking the TSLP receptor, unlike Tezspire, which targets the TSLP ligand [9]. - Upstream claims that verkitug's potency is approximately 300 times that of Tezspire, which may provide a competitive edge [9]. - Verkitug's dosing frequency of every 12 weeks offers greater convenience compared to Dupixent and Tezspire, which require administration every 2 weeks and 4 weeks, respectively, potentially enhancing its market competitiveness [9].