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WALTHAM, Mass. - Upstream Bio, Inc. (NASDAQ:UPB) has dosed the first patient in its Phase 2 clinical trial evaluating verekitug for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the company announced Tuesday. The clinical-stage biotech company, currently valued at $590 million, maintains a strong financial position with more cash than debt on its balance sheet, according to InvestingPro data.
The VENTURE trial will assess the efficacy and safety of verekitug, a novel antibody that targets the Thymic Stromal Lymphopoietin (TSLP) receptor, in approximately 670 adults with moderate-to-severe COPD. Participants will receive either verekitug at doses of 100 mg every 12 weeks, 400 mg every 24 weeks, or placebo for treatment periods between 60 and 108 weeks. While the company’s current revenue stands at $2.3 million, InvestingPro analysis shows analysts have revised earnings expectations downward for the upcoming period.
The primary endpoint is the annualized rate of moderate or severe COPD exacerbations, with secondary endpoints including changes in daily symptoms and lung function measures.
"There are emerging data indicating that TSLP plays an important role in driving the pathobiology of COPD and the exacerbations that many patients with this disease experience," said Aaron Deykin, Chief Medical Officer at Upstream Bio, according to the company’s press release.
COPD represents the third indication in verekitug’s development program, which also includes ongoing Phase 2 trials in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) and severe asthma. The company completed enrollment in the CRSwNP trial in January 2025 and in the severe asthma trial in June 2025, with top-line data expected in the third quarter of 2025 and first quarter of 2026, respectively.
Verekitug is described as the only known monoclonal antibody currently in clinical development targeting the TSLP receptor. The drug has demonstrated high occupancy of the TSLP receptor and potent inhibition of TSLP signaling in preclinical studies.
COPD is the fourth leading cause of death worldwide, causing approximately 3.5 million deaths in 2021, according to information provided in the company statement. With a price-to-book ratio of 1.33 and significant market potential, investors tracking biotech opportunities can access more detailed financial metrics and 8 additional ProTips through InvestingPro’s comprehensive analysis platform.
In other recent news, Upstream Bio, Inc. announced the appointment of Stacy Price as Chief Technology Officer. Price brings over 25 years of experience in the biotech industry to her new role, having previously held senior positions at Invivyd, Akouos, Ziopharm Oncology, Shire, and Transkaryotic Therapies. Her appointment comes as Upstream Bio prepares to initiate a third clinical program for its drug candidate, verekitug, which is in Phase 2 trials for severe asthma and chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps. The company is also starting development for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Rand Sutherland, CEO of Upstream Bio, emphasized Price’s role in expanding technical operations and product development. Price’s expertise is expected to play a significant part in advancing the company’s programs and supporting future growth. The announcement was made via a press release, which included forward-looking statements about the potential impact of Price’s contributions and the development of verekitug.
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