Upstream Bio, Inc. (Nasdaq: UPB), a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on inflammatory diseases, announced on May 20, 2025, the appointment of Stacy Price, MS, PMP, as Chief Technology Officer. Price brings over 25 years of experience in technical operations, manufacturing, and product development across various drug modalities in the biotechnology industry.
In her new role, Price will lead the expansion of technical operations and product development to support the global development of verekitug, Upstream Bio's lead candidate. Her responsibilities will particularly focus on chemistry, manufacturing, and controls (CMC) processes and drug delivery systems.
"Stacy is joining Upstream Bio at a pivotal time in our growth as we prepare to initiate a third clinical program for verekitug and look ahead to the next stages of verekitug's development," said Rand Sutherland, MD, Chief Executive Officer of Upstream Bio. "Stacy's extensive expertise in end-to-end technical operations, specifically in biologics development, will be invaluable as we advance our programs and continue to invest for the future."
Price expressed enthusiasm about her new position, stating, "I'm excited to join this experienced leadership team and help position Upstream Bio for the opportunities ahead of us. I look forward to further leveraging our state-of-the-art technical capabilities to enhance patient-first efforts to develop verekitug as a differentiated treatment option with an extended dosing interval, ultimately with the goal of improving the quality of life for patients with severe respiratory diseases."
Extensive Industry Experience
Price most recently served as Chief Technology and Manufacturing Officer at Invivyd, a publicly-traded biotechnology company, where she oversaw end-to-end technical operations and CMC regulatory strategies for antibody-based programs. Prior to that, she was Chief Technical Officer at Akouos, a then-publicly traded biotechnology company acquired in December 2022, where she established technical infrastructure and operations to support gene therapy delivery.
Her career also includes senior leadership roles at Ziopharm Oncology, Shire, and Transkaryotic Therapies (TKT), where she directed large-scale manufacturing programs and technical operations for both small molecules and biologics. Price holds an M.S. in Biochemical Engineering and a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Tufts University.
Verekitug Development Program
Upstream Bio is developing verekitug as the only known antagonist currently in clinical development that targets the receptor for thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), a cytokine that is a clinically validated driver of inflammatory response. TSLP is positioned upstream of multiple signaling cascades that affect various immune-mediated diseases.
The company has already advanced this potent monoclonal antibody into separate Phase 2 trials for the treatment of severe asthma and chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). Additionally, Upstream Bio is initiating development in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which will represent the third clinical program for verekitug.
Strategic Significance
The appointment of Price comes at a strategic time for Upstream Bio as the company expands its clinical programs and prepares for potential later-stage development of verekitug. Her expertise in technical operations and manufacturing will be crucial as the company scales up production capabilities and refines drug delivery systems.
One of the key differentiating factors for verekitug that Price will help develop is its extended dosing interval, which could potentially improve treatment adherence and quality of life for patients with severe respiratory diseases. This feature could provide a competitive advantage in a market where patient compliance remains a significant challenge.
Market Position
Upstream Bio's stock (UPB) closed 4.75% higher at $9.05 on the Nasdaq the day before the announcement, indicating positive market sentiment. As a clinical-stage company focused on inflammatory diseases with an initial emphasis on severe respiratory disorders, Upstream Bio is positioning itself in a therapeutic area with substantial unmet medical needs.
The company's approach of targeting TSLP, an upstream mediator in inflammatory pathways, represents a potentially differentiated strategy compared to existing treatments that target downstream inflammatory mediators. This approach could potentially address multiple aspects of inflammatory diseases simultaneously, offering broader efficacy.
With Price's appointment strengthening the executive team, Upstream Bio appears well-positioned to advance its clinical programs and technical capabilities as it works toward bringing verekitug to patients with severe respiratory diseases who remain underserved by current treatment options.
