Upstream Bio’s Verekitug Lowers Nasal Polyp Score by 1.95 and Cuts Rescue Use 76%
Upstream Bio’s Phase 2 VIBRANT trial of quarterly 100 mg verekitug in CRSwNP showed a placebo-adjusted nasal polyp score reduction of 1.95 versus 1.77 in the primary analysis (p<0.0001), with nasal congestion score down 0.96 (p<0.0001). The antibody cut surgery or systemic steroid use by 76% (p=0.03) with no SAEs.
1. Additional Analyses in VIBRANT Trial
Upstream Bio applied a worst-observation carried-forward statistical approach to adjust for rescue therapy use, including nasal polyp surgery, systemic corticosteroids and background treatment escalation, evaluating 100 mg subcutaneous verekitug every 12 weeks in 81 adults with CRSwNP over 24 weeks.
2. Efficacy Outcomes
The WOCF analysis showed a placebo-adjusted endoscopic nasal polyp score reduction of 1.95 points (p<0.0001) versus 1.77 in the primary analysis, and a nasal congestion score decrease of 0.96 points (p<0.0001) compared to 0.77 in the original treatment policy analysis.
3. Rescue Therapy Reduction and Safety
Participants receiving verekitug experienced a 76% reduction in the need for nasal polyp surgery or systemic corticosteroids (p=0.03) versus placebo, with no serious adverse events reported and a safety profile consistent with prior studies.
4. Registrational Phase 3 Plans
Upstream Bio has commenced planning for Phase 3 trials in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps and severe asthma, intending to initiate registrational studies following planned regulatory interactions based on these outcomes.