Sino Biopharm's TQC2938 Becomes First ST2 Antibody to Show Positive Phase II Results in Allergic Rhinitis
Key Insights
Sino Biopharm's TQC2938, a humanised ST2 (search) monoclonal antibody, demonstrated statistically significant improvement in nasal symptoms over placebo in a 136-patient Phase II trial for moderate-to-severe seasonal allergic rhinitis (search).
The trial enrolled patients who had inadequate response to standard intranasal corticosteroids and antihistamines, with benefits seen consistently across subgroups including those with low eosinophil counts.
TQC2938 is the first ST2 (search)-targeting biologic to show positive clinical results in allergic rhinitis, positioning it as a potential first-in-class therapy in an indication with no approved biologics in China.
Sino Biopharmaceutical's subsidiary Chia Tai Tianqing (search) has reported positive Phase II data for TQC2938, a humanised ST2 (search) monoclonal antibody, in adults with moderate-to-severe seasonal allergic rhinitis (search) (SAR) who had inadequate response to standard intranasal corticosteroid and antihistamine therapy. The results, presented at the EAACI 2026 congress, mark the first time an ST2-targeting biologic has demonstrated positive clinical outcomes in this indication.
The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial enrolled 136 patients and evaluated TQC2938 against placebo. The 420 mg dose of TQC2938 produced a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in nasal symptoms over four weeks versus placebo. Consistent benefits were observed across key secondary endpoints and subgroups, including patients with low eosinophil counts—a population that has historically lacked effective biologic treatment options.
The candidate also demonstrated a favorable safety profile comparable to placebo, a critical consideration for therapies targeting chronic allergic conditions where long-term tolerability is essential.
A First-in-Class Opportunity in an Underserved Indication
TQC2938's mechanism of action targets ST2 (search), the receptor for interleukin-33 (IL-33), a key upstream mediator in type 2 inflammatory pathways. By blocking ST2, the antibody aims to interrupt the inflammatory cascade driving allergic rhinitis symptoms. This approach distinguishes TQC2938 from existing biologic strategies in allergic diseases, which have predominantly focused on IgE blockade or downstream type 2 cytokines.
The significance of these findings is amplified by the current treatment landscape. There are no approved biologics for the large low-eosinophil SAR population in China, and no ST2 (search)-targeting biologics have reached the market globally for any allergic rhinitis indication. Sino Biopharm noted that the results position TQC2938 as a promising new option and support its advancement into Phase III development.
Clinical Implications and Next Steps
The trial's focus on patients who had failed standard-of-care therapy—intranasal corticosteroids combined with antihistamines—addresses a well-defined unmet medical need. Seasonal allergic rhinitis (search) affects a substantial portion of the population, and a meaningful subset of patients continues to experience significant symptoms despite optimal conventional treatment.
With the Phase II data now in hand, Sino Biopharm's push into first-in-class biologics gains momentum. The company's advancement of TQC2938 toward Phase III trials will be closely watched, as success in later-stage development could establish a new therapeutic class for allergic rhinitis and potentially open avenues in other type 2 inflammatory conditions.