Core Insights - Upstream Bio, Inc. is advancing its clinical-stage monoclonal antibody, verekitug, which targets the TSLP receptor, showing potential for treating severe respiratory diseases [1][10] - Recent data presented at the European Respiratory Society Congress indicate verekitug's unique mechanism of action may lead to differentiated therapeutic effects across various TSLP-driven inflammatory diseases [1][2] Mechanism of Action - Verekitug prevents TSLP from binding to its receptor by occupying ligand binding sites and outcompetes TSLP even in the presence of preformed receptor complexes [1][6] - The high affinity of verekitug (KD < 1 pM) allows it to inhibit proinflammatory signaling initiated by TSLP effectively [6][8] Clinical Development - Verekitug has shown rapid and sustained TSLP receptor inhibition for up to 24 weeks post-administration, indicating a potential for less frequent dosing compared to existing biologic therapies [2][9] - The recently completed VIBRANT trial demonstrated that a single dose of 100 mg verekitug every 12 weeks met both primary and secondary endpoints in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps [7][10] - Ongoing trials include the VALIANT trial for severe asthma and the VENTURE trial for moderate-to-severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) [7][10] Preclinical and Clinical Data - Preclinical studies have shown verekitug's high occupancy of the TSLP receptor and its ability to inhibit cytokine production from CD4+ T cells and ILC2 cells [8] - In Phase 1 trials, verekitug was well tolerated and demonstrated significant reductions in fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) and blood eosinophils in asthma patients [9] Company Overview - Upstream Bio is focused on developing treatments for inflammatory diseases, particularly severe respiratory disorders, with verekitug being the only known antagonist targeting the TSLP receptor currently in clinical development [10]
Upstream Bio Presents Data Showing Structural and Mechanistic Drivers of Verekitug's Potent Pharmacodynamic Activity and Differentiated Clinical Profile at European Respiratory Society Congress