The burden of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma remains significant due to unmet treatment needs. According to DelveInsight’s “Asthma – Market Insight, Epidemiology And Market Forecast – 2034,” in 2023, over 55 million people in the 7MM were diagnosed with asthma, and the diagnosed prevalent cases of COPD affected approximately 34 million people in the 7MM as per the “Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) – Market Insight, Epidemiology And Market Forecast – 2034”,  by DelveInsight. Both conditions continue to strain healthcare systems with high hospitalization rates, emergency department visits, and significant economic costs. This highlights the critical need for innovative and effective treatments to address these chronic respiratory diseases.

At the 2024 American Thoracic Society (ATS) International Conference, Uniquity Bio will announce the launch of Phase II clinical trials for solrikitug, a novel anti-TSLP monoclonal antibody. This trial will focus on patients with moderate to severe COPD and poorly controlled asthma, highlighting Uniquity Bio’s commitment to pioneering innovative treatments in respiratory medicine. By prioritizing the safety and efficacy of solrikitug, the company aims to provide new hope for patients with limited treatment options, contributing to the broader effort to improve therapeutic strategies for chronic respiratory diseases.

Blackstone Life Sciences has launched Uniquity Bio, a clinical-stage company dedicated to immunology and inflammation, with a Phase II-ready therapeutic candidate. The firm has committed up to USD 300 million to advance solrikitug, a monoclonal antibody that targets TSLP, in-licensed from Merck. Solrikitug blocks TSLP, a crucial cytokine in the inflammatory process, and will be tested in various respiratory conditions, such as COPD and asthma, as well as gastrointestinal conditions. With FDA approval for clinical trials, a Phase II study for COPD and asthma is set to begin next month. The drug has the potential to be a life-changing medication for a significant group of patients who currently have minimal treatment options.

Tezepelumab, marketed as Tezspire, is the only TSLP inhibitor currently approved for asthma treatment, receiving FDA approval in December 2021. Both Tezspire and Uniquity Bio’s solrikitug are monoclonal antibodies targeting TSLP. While Tezspire has shown efficacy in asthma, its benefits in COPD are less clear due to differing inflammatory pathways. Additionally, Tezspire may cause side effects like injection site reactions and hypersensitivity, highlighting the need for continued development of targeted therapies for both COPD and asthma.

Solrikitug may offer advantages over Tezspire (tezepelumab) for severe asthma and COPD. As a next-generation anti-TSLP monoclonal antibody, solrikitug is potentially more potent, leading to better suppression of TSLP and improved clinical outcomes. It might also be engineered to reduce side effects like injection site reactions and hypersensitivity, addressing some limitations of Tezspire. This combination of enhanced efficacy and improved safety could make solrikitug a more attractive option for patients with limited treatment options. 

According to DelveInsight’s report on ‘Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) – Market Insights, Epidemiology, and Market Forecast market reached a value of USD 12.6 billion in 2023. Similarly, DelveInsight’s analysis of the asthma market, as outlined in their report titled “Asthma – Market Insight, Epidemiology, And Market Forecast – 2034,” estimated the asthma market size to be around USD 19 billion in the same year across the 7MM. As the Phase II study for solrikitug begins, the medical community eagerly awaits insights into its efficacy and safety, potentially paving the way for transformative treatment options for patients with limited choices. These advancements not only promise to address the substantial economic burden and unmet medical needs associated with chronic respiratory diseases but also forecast a surge in the market.