Blackstone Life Sciences has launched Uniquity Bio, a clinical-stage biotechnology company, with up to $300 million in funding to advance solrikitug, a monoclonal antibody targeting TSLP for the treatment of immune and inflammatory conditions. The FDA has accepted the company's Phase 2 investigational new drug application, positioning Uniquity Bio to begin clinical trials in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma within the next month.
TSLP-Targeted Therapy Enters Competitive Landscape
Solrikitug is a highly potent anti-TSLP monoclonal antibody that prevents TSLP from binding to its receptors. TSLP functions as a "master switch" cytokine positioned at the top of the inflammatory cascade, making it an attractive target for treating various immune and inflammatory conditions. The drug was in-licensed from Merck & Co., Inc. and is designed to block inflammatory overreactions that trigger problems like asthma attacks.
The TSLP pathway has become increasingly popular among drugmakers seeking new approaches to tackle inflammation. Amgen and AstraZeneca entered this market first with Tezspire, an asthma treatment that received FDA approval in late 2021 and requires administration every four weeks. Several other companies have since pursued TSLP-targeted therapies, including Upstream Bio, which launched in 2022 and began Phase 2 trials in severe asthma with dosing intervals of 12 to 24 weeks, and Aiolos Bio, which GSK acquired for $1 billion earlier this year with a TSLP drug requiring only twice-yearly dosing.
Addressing Significant Medical Needs
The company aims to deliver best-in-class efficacy with solrikitug across several critical respiratory and gastrointestinal indications with significant unmet needs. COPD represents the third leading cause of death worldwide according to the World Health Organization, while asthma affects more than 260 million people globally.
"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," said Brian Lortie, CEO of Uniquity Bio. The company's approach combines the scientific rigor and quality standards of a global pharmaceutical company with the operational agility of a biotech startup.
Market Opportunity and Investment Strategy
Blackstone's investment targets a rapidly expanding market, with the global immunology market projected to grow from $98 billion in 2023 to $257 billion in 2032, according to Fortune Business Insights. This represents the potential for significant commercial opportunity in the immunology and inflammation space.
"Our investment in Uniquity Bio illustrates Blackstone Life Sciences' commitment to finding, developing and delivering potentially transformative medicines to patients around the world," said Nicholas Galakatos, Ph.D., Global Head of Blackstone Life Sciences.
Company Structure and Leadership
Uniquity Bio was founded by industry executives with extensive experience in developing therapeutics in immunology and inflammation, with a track record of advancing clinical programs from development through commercialization. The company operates with a unique business model that supports parallel development of high-potential medicines along with various collaboration structures.
"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," said Kiran Reddy, MD, Senior Managing Director with Blackstone Life Sciences.
Stephen Tullman serves as Executive Chairman of Uniquity Bio, expressing confidence that the company's work will deliver new and valuable medicines to people living with immune-mediated diseases. The company is actively building an immunology and inflammation pipeline beyond solrikitug, with plans for additional programs in the near future.
