Workflow
verekitug
icon
Search documents
Upstream Bio Presents Data Showing Structural and Mechanistic Drivers of Verekitug's Potent Pharmacodynamic Activity and Differentiated Clinical Profile at European Respiratory Society Congress
Globenewswire· 2025-09-30 08:15
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 (UPB) Earnings Call Presentation
2025-09-02 12:00
VIBRANT Phase 2 Study Results - The Phase 2 VIBRANT study of verekitug in CRSwNP met the primary endpoint, demonstrating a statistically significant reduction in Nasal Polyp Score (NPS) of -1.8 (p<0.0001) [11, 71, 85] - Key secondary endpoints were also met, including a Nasal Congestion Score (NCS) reduction of -0.8 (p=0.0003) [11, 71, 85] and a 76% reduction in the need for surgery or systemic steroids (p=0.03) [11, 71, 85] - Verekitug, dosed every 12 weeks, showed clinical activity at week 24 similar to tezepelumab dosed every 4 weeks [14, 65] - In the VIBRANT trial, 93% of subjects completed the study [38] Safety and Tolerability - Verekitug was generally well tolerated, with no serious adverse events (SAEs) observed [11, 71, 85] - The incidence of adverse events (AEs) was similar across treatment groups, with treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) related to study treatment occurring more frequently in the placebo group [48] Verekitug's Potential - Upstream Bio is developing verekitug as an antagonist of the TSLP receptor, with the goal of achieving rapid, complete, and sustained receptor occupancy for up to 24 weeks after the last dose [21] - Current biologics sales in CRSwNP alone are estimated to exceed $1 billion globally [29] - Upstream Bio is studying verekitug across multiple indications with high unmet need, including severe asthma (VALIANT trial, topline data expected in Q1 2026) and COPD (VENTURE trial, currently enrolling) [22, 23]
Upstream Bio to Host Conference Call and Webcast to Report Top-Line Data from the Phase 2 VIBRANT Trial of Verekitug in Patients with Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps (CRSwNP)
Globenewswire· 2025-09-01 21:00
Group 1 - Upstream Bio, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing treatments for inflammatory diseases, particularly severe respiratory disorders [4] - The company is advancing verekitug, a monoclonal antibody targeting the receptor for thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), which is involved in inflammatory responses [4] - The Phase 2 VIBRANT trial is designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of verekitug in adults with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) [2] Group 2 - The VIBRANT trial is a global, randomized, placebo-controlled study where participants receive either 100 mg of verekitug or a placebo every 12 weeks for 24 weeks [2] - The primary endpoint of the trial is the change in endoscopic nasal polyp score (NPS) at Week 24 [2] - Top-line data from the VIBRANT trial will be reported on September 2, 2025, during a conference call and webcast [1][3]
Upstream Bio (UPB) Q2 R&D Soars 169%
The Motley Fool· 2025-08-07 01:06
Core Insights - Upstream Bio reported significant clinical advancements and financial results for Q2 2025, with a focus on its lead drug candidate, verekitug, aimed at treating respiratory diseases [1][5][12] Financial Performance - Revenue for Q2 2025 was $0.9 million, exceeding the estimate of $0.69 million and showing an 80% increase from $0.5 million in Q2 2024 [2][8] - Research and development expenses surged to $37.9 million, up 168.8% from $14.1 million in Q2 2024, primarily due to increased clinical and manufacturing costs related to verekitug [2][7] - General and administrative expenses rose to $7.4 million, an 85% increase from $4.0 million in Q2 2024 [2][7] - The net loss widened to $40.0 million compared to $14.7 million in Q2 2024, reflecting the transition to more expensive Phase 2 trials [2][8] - Cash reserves stood at $393.6 million as of June 30, 2025, expected to sustain operations through 2027 [8][12] Clinical Development - Upstream Bio is advancing verekitug through multiple Phase 2 clinical trials, with significant milestones achieved in severe asthma and chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) [1][4] - Patient enrollment for the VALIANT Phase 2 trial for severe asthma was completed in June 2025, with top-line results anticipated in early 2026 [5][12] - The VIBRANT Phase 2 trial for CRSwNP completed patient enrollment by January 2025, with efficacy data expected in Q3 2025 [5][12] - The company initiated dosing in the VENTURE Phase 2 trial for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in July 2025 [6][12] Product Pipeline and Competitive Position - Verekitug is the only monoclonal antibody in human trials targeting the TSLP receptor, which may offer longer intervals between doses compared to existing biologics [10][11] - The competitive landscape remains uncertain as there are no approved products or recent head-to-head data against other biologics [11] - The regulatory strategy focuses on trial endpoints that could support future marketing applications if successful [11] Future Outlook - Management highlighted two key upcoming catalysts: top-line data from the VIBRANT CRSwNP Phase 2 trial in Q3 2025 and the VALIANT severe asthma Phase 2 readout in Q1 2026 [12][13] - Investors are expected to closely monitor the outcomes of these trials, as positive results could lead to regulatory submissions and potential partnerships [13]
Upstream Bio Reports Second Quarter 2025 Financial Results and Highlights Continued Progress
Globenewswire· 2025-08-06 11:00
Core Insights - Upstream Bio, Inc. is advancing its clinical development programs for verekitug, a monoclonal antibody targeting the TSLP receptor, focusing on severe respiratory diseases such as chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP), severe asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) [1][2] Clinical Development Progress - The company is on track to report top-line data from the Phase 2 trial in CRSwNP in the third quarter of 2025 [1][5] - Enrollment in the Phase 2 trial for severe asthma was completed in June 2025, with top-line data expected in the first quarter of 2026 [1][5] - The first patient was dosed in the Phase 2 trial for COPD in July 2025, marking the entry into a third major respiratory indication [1][5] Financial Performance - As of June 30, 2025, Upstream Bio had cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments totaling $393.6 million, which is projected to fund operations through 2027 [6] - Research and development expenses for the second quarter of 2025 were $37.9 million, a significant increase from $14.1 million in the same period of 2024, primarily due to clinical and manufacturing costs related to verekitug [6] - General and administrative expenses rose to $7.4 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2025, compared to $4.0 million for the same period in 2024, driven by personnel-related expenses and professional service fees [7] Net Loss - The net loss for the quarter ended June 30, 2025, was $40.0 million, compared to a net loss of $14.7 million for the same period in 2024, largely due to increased operating expenses [8][16]
Upstream Bio Announces First Patient Dosed in Phase 2 Clinical Trial of Verekitug in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
GlobeNewswire News Room· 2025-07-08 11:00
Core Insights - Upstream Bio has initiated a Phase 2 clinical trial, VENTURE, to evaluate the efficacy and safety of verekitug in patients with moderate-to-severe COPD, marking the expansion of its global development program into a third indication [1][3] - Verekitug is a novel antibody antagonist targeting the TSLP receptor, which plays a significant role in the inflammatory response associated with allergic and inflammatory diseases [2][6] - The trial aims to assess the annualized rate of moderate or severe COPD exacerbations as the primary endpoint, with secondary endpoints including changes in symptoms and lung function [4] Company Overview - Upstream Bio is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing treatments for inflammatory diseases, particularly severe respiratory disorders [17] - The company is advancing verekitug, the only known monoclonal antibody in clinical development targeting the TSLP receptor, through multiple Phase 2 trials for CRSwNP, severe asthma, and COPD [9][17] - The company aims to address unmet needs in patient populations underserved by current standard treatments [18] Clinical Trial Details - The VENTURE trial is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study involving approximately 670 adults with moderate-to-severe COPD, with treatment periods ranging from 60 to 108 weeks [3][4] - Participants will receive either verekitug at doses of 100 mg every 12 weeks, 400 mg every 24 weeks, or a placebo [3] - The trial is designed to potentially support regulatory submissions based on the data collected [4] Current Research and Development - Upstream Bio has completed enrollment in separate Phase 2 trials for CRSwNP and severe asthma, with top-line data expected in the third quarter of 2025 and the first quarter of 2026, respectively [5] - Preclinical studies have shown that verekitug effectively inhibits TSLP signaling and demonstrates potential efficacy against various types of inflammation [10][11] Disease Context - COPD is a chronic inflammatory disease that significantly impacts airflow and is associated with high morbidity and mortality, being the fourth leading cause of death globally [12][14] - The prevalence of COPD is projected to increase due to ongoing exposure to risk factors and an aging population [14] - Current treatments for COPD include inhaled steroids and bronchodilators, with biologics emerging as new treatment options [16]
Translational Data Illustrate a Mechanism of Greater Potency with Verekitug, a Novel Antibody Antagonist of the TSLP Receptor
Globenewswire· 2025-06-15 11:45
Core Insights - Upstream Bio, Inc. presented pharmacology modeling data at the EAACI Congress, highlighting the greater potency of verekitug compared to tezepelumab in treating inflammatory diseases [1][3] - Verekitug targets the TSLP receptor, offering a potentially differentiated profile across severe asthma, COPD, and CRSwNP [1][2] Company Overview - Upstream Bio is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing treatments for inflammatory diseases, particularly severe respiratory disorders [11] - Verekitug is the only monoclonal antibody in clinical development that targets and inhibits the TSLP receptor, which is a key driver of inflammatory responses [2][11] Mechanism of Action - TSLP is a cytokine that initiates the inflammatory cascade, and blocking its receptor can impact multiple inflammatory processes [2][5] - The pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) modeling indicates that verekitug provides complete and sustained inhibition of the TSLP/TSLPR complex, leading to a greater reduction in fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) compared to tezepelumab [6][8] Clinical Development - Verekitug is currently being evaluated in two Phase 2 clinical trials: the VALIANT trial for severe asthma and the VIBRANT trial for CRSwNP, with plans for a trial in COPD [8][10] - The company anticipates top-line Phase 2 clinical data for CRSwNP in Q3 2025 and for severe asthma in the first half of 2026 [3][8] Preclinical and Clinical Data - Preclinical studies demonstrated that verekitug has high occupancy of the TSLP receptor and effectively inhibits TSLP signaling [9] - Previous clinical trials showed that verekitug was well tolerated and exhibited a predictable pharmacokinetic profile [10]
Upstream Bio to Present Mechanistic Insights into Verekitug's Enhanced Potency via TSLP Receptor Targeting at European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) Congress 2025
GlobeNewswire News Room· 2025-06-05 11:00
Core Insights - Upstream Bio, Inc. is focused on developing treatments for inflammatory diseases, particularly severe respiratory disorders, and will present new data on June 15, 2025, at the EAACI Congress 2025 in Glasgow, UK [1][2] Group 1: Presentation Details - The presentation will discuss translational pharmacology modeling data that supports the targeting of the TSLP receptor with verekitug, showing greater potency compared to treatments targeting the TSLP ligand [1][2] - The presenting author is Ashish Kalra, PhD, Vice President of Translational Research at Upstream Bio, and the poster number is D3.113 [2] Group 2: TSLP and TSLPR Blockade - Thymic Stromal Lymphopoietin (TSLP) is a key cytokine in the inflammatory response for diseases like asthma, and blocking TSLP signaling is a validated therapeutic strategy [3] - TSLP activation initiates a cascade of inflammatory responses, making TSLPR blockade a potential single treatment for multiple inflammatory diseases [4] Group 3: About Verekitug - Verekitug is a novel fully human IgG1 monoclonal antibody that inhibits TSLP receptor signaling and is currently the only mAb in clinical development targeting this receptor [5][8] - It is being evaluated in two Phase 2 clinical trials: the VALIANT trial for severe asthma and the VIBRANT trial for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, with an additional trial for COPD being initiated [5][9] - Preclinical studies indicate verekitug has high receptor occupancy and effectively inhibits TSLP signaling, suggesting potential efficacy against various inflammatory conditions [6] Group 4: Clinical Trials and Development - Three clinical trials for verekitug have been completed, showing it was well tolerated with no significant immunogenicity and a consistent pharmacokinetic profile [7] - The company aims to address unmet needs in patients with severe respiratory disorders through the development of verekitug [9]
Upstream Bio to Participate in the Goldman Sachs 46th Annual Global Healthcare Conference
Globenewswire· 2025-06-04 11:00
Company Overview - Upstream Bio, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing treatments for inflammatory diseases, particularly severe respiratory disorders [3] - The company is advancing a monoclonal antibody named verekitug, which targets the receptor for thymic stromal lymphopoietin, a key cytokine involved in inflammatory responses [3] - Verekitug is currently in separate Phase 2 trials for severe asthma and chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, with plans to initiate development for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [3] Upcoming Events - Rand Sutherland, MD, CEO of Upstream Bio, will participate in a fireside chat at the Goldman Sachs 46th Annual Global Healthcare Conference on June 11, 2025, at 9:20 a.m. ET [1] - A live webcast of the event will be available on the company's website, with a replay posted afterward [2]
Upstream Bio Appoints Stacy Price as Chief Technology Officer
Globenewswire· 2025-05-20 11:00
Core Insights - Upstream Bio, Inc. has appointed Stacy Price as Chief Technology Officer to enhance its technical operations and product development for verekitug, a treatment for severe respiratory disorders [1][2] - The company is preparing to initiate a third clinical program for verekitug, which targets the receptor for thymic stromal lymphopoietin, a key driver of inflammatory responses [2][3] - Upstream Bio is committed to addressing unmet medical needs in severe respiratory diseases through the development of verekitug, which is currently in Phase 2 trials for severe asthma and chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps [3] Company Overview - Upstream Bio is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing treatments for inflammatory diseases, particularly severe respiratory disorders [3] - The company is advancing verekitug, a monoclonal antibody that is the only known antagonist in clinical development targeting the receptor for thymic stromal lymphopoietin [3] - Upstream Bio aims to maximize the unique attributes of verekitug to meet the substantial unmet needs of patients underserved by current standard care [3]