Upstream Bio Conference Call Summary Company Overview - Upstream Bio is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing Viraqita, the only known antagonist of the TSLP receptor in clinical development [2][3] - The company is currently funded through a successful IPO last year, with funding expected to last until 2027 [3][4] Product Development - Viraqita is being developed for three indications: 1. Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) 2. Severe asthma 3. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) - The company is in Phase 2 trials for all three indications, aiming to support a Biologics License Application (BLA) with these trials [3][4] Unique Mechanism of Action - Upstream Bio targets the TSLP receptor rather than the ligand, which is a significant differentiation from competitors [5][6] - Viraqita can fully occupy 100% of free TSLP receptors within two weeks and maintain this occupancy for up to 24 weeks after the last dose [6] Clinical Data and Efficacy - The Phase 2 trial for CRSwNP has shown promising results, with Viraqita's efficacy potentially meeting or exceeding that of other biologics in the market [14][15] - The dosing interval for Viraqita is every 12 weeks, which is significantly less frequent than competitors like Tezepelumab (13 times a year) and Dupilumab (26 times a year) [15][16] - The delta nasal polyp score (NPS) for Viraqita was -1.8, compared to -1.7 for Tezepelumab and -1.6 for Dupilumab, indicating competitive efficacy [15] Trial Design and Regulatory Considerations - The trial design follows FDA guidance with a placebo-controlled approach and includes endpoints such as change in endoscopic nasal polyp score and nasal congestion score [12][13] - The company aims for the nasal polyps data to serve as one of two pivotal studies for BLA submission [12] Patient Population and Baseline Characteristics - The patient population in the trial was designed to be similar to those in other studies, with comparable disease severity and eosinophil counts [17][18] - The lack of prior steroid use in some patients could indicate a more severe population, but this is not seen as a significant tailwind [19] Future Outlook - The company is optimistic about the read-through of nasal polyp data to asthma, with expectations of similar efficacy and a less frequent dosing regimen [21][22] - Upcoming data in asthma is anticipated to provide further insights into the drug's potential [22]
Upstream Bio (NasdaqGS:UPB) Conference Transcript