Upstream Bio Initiates Phase 2 Clinical Trial for COPD Drug, Verekitug

Upstream Bio Inc. (NASDAQ:UPB) is one of the best IPO stocks to buy according to Wall Street analysts. Earlier on July 8, Upstream Bio announced that the first patient had been dosed in a Phase 2 clinical trial of verekitug for the treatment of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease/COPD. The trial, named VENTURE, is a randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled study that will evaluate the efficacy and safety of verekitug in ~670 adults with moderate-to-severe COPD.

The participants will receive either 100 mg of verekitug every 12 weeks, 400 mg every 24 weeks, or a placebo, throughout 60 to 108 weeks. The primary endpoint of the study is the annualized rate of moderate or severe COPD exacerbations. Verekitug is a novel monoclonal antibody that targets the TSLP/Thymic Stromal Lymphopoietin receptor, which is a key driver of the inflammatory response in several respiratory diseases.

Upstream Bio Initiates Phase 2 Clinical Trial for COPD Drug, Verekitug

A close up photograph of a vial of a new biotechnological drug candidate in development.

According to Upstream Bio, it is the only known biologic in development that directly targets this receptor. The company believes that by blocking TSLP, verekitug has the potential to offer differentiated efficacy and less frequent dosing compared to currently approved therapies for COPD. This new trial expands the global development program for verekitug, which is also being evaluated in separate Phase 2 trials for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps/CRSwNP and severe asthma.

Upstream Bio Inc. (NASDAQ:UPB) is a clinical-stage biotechnology company that develops treatments for inflammatory diseases, focusing on severe respiratory disorders.

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Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.