A new startup clinical-stage drug development company backed with $300 million in funding from Blackstone is set to begin phase 2 testing of treatments for COPD and asthma.
Uniquity Bio has FDA acceptance of a phase 2 investigational drug application for solrikitug, a monoclonal antibody targeting thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP). The company aims to deliver best-in-class efficacy with solrikitug across several critical respiratory and GI indications with significant unmet needs. In the next month, Uniquity Bio will launch Phase 2 clinical trials in COPD and asthma.
Solrikitug is a highly potent anti-TSLP monoclonal antibody, which prevents the binding of TSLP to its receptors. Given TSLP’s position as the “master switch” cytokine sitting at the top of the inflammatory cascade, solrikitug could have potential utility in a wide array of immunology and inflammation programs. Solrikitug was in-licensed from Merck & Co., Inc. (known as MSD outside of the U.S. and Canada).
“We believe solrikitug has the potential to be a life-changing medication for a significant number of patients who currently have very limited treatment options, and we are excited to move into the next phase of development,” said Brian Lortie, CEO of Uniquity Bio. “Our approach to development pairs the scientific rigor and quality standards of a global pharma company with the operational agility of a biotech startup, which allows us to move quickly without cutting corners.”
Kiran Reddy, MD, Senior Managing Director with Blackstone Life Sciences, added: “Uniquity Bio’s launch with a phase 2-ready therapeutic demonstrates our approach of providing expertise and scale capital to our portfolio companies to help them advance their mission — and medicines — as fast as possible. We’re excited about the work that Uniquity has done so far with solrikitug and look forward to providing long-term financial support to the company.”
