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Upstream Launches With $200m To Buy, Develop Drugs For Immune-Mediated Diseases

Lead Drug Candidate Targets TSLP Receptor For Asthma, Other Indications

 
• By Mandy Jackson

Upstream Bio acquired Phase Ib-ready UPB-101 from Astellas, and its experienced team plans to buy additional drug candidates for the treatment of allergic and inflammatory diseases. 

Lung health vector illustration
Upstream is focused on immune-mediated diseases, including asthma • Source: Shutterstock

Upstream Bio has been actively developing its strategy of acquiring externally discovered drug candidates for immune-mediated diseases for some time, but the start-up officially launched on 2 June with $200m in series A venture capital. It also debuted with a slate of experienced biotechnology entrepreneurs and former pharmaceutical executives to advance the company’s initial development program into a Phase Ib clinical trial and continue the hunt for additional assets.

CEO Samantha Truex previously helmed Quench Bio, Inc., served as chief operating officer of Synlogic, Inc. and was chief business officer at Padlock Therapeutics, Inc.; those small biotech company roles followed various business development and product management positions at Biogen, Inc., Genzyme and Chiron

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