Blackstone launches Uniquity Bio with $300M to explore Merck drug's I&I potential

Uniquity Bio, a new biotech startup focusing on inflammation and immunology, has been officially launched with substantial financial support from Blackstone Life Sciences. Uniquity Bio is kicking off with an impressive $300 million in funding and a promising phase 2-stage lead asset, solrikitug, which is an anti-TSLP antibody licensed from Merck & Co. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently approved solrikitug for two significant studies aimed at treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. According to Nicholas Galakatos, Ph.D., head of life science investments at Blackstone, the company's pipeline is expected to expand further in the near future.

"We are proud to partner with Uniquity’s team of veteran industry leaders as they advance solrikitug and expand their immunology and inflammation pipeline with additional programs in the near future," said Galakatos.

This announcement signifies an opportunity for companies that previously missed out on the Aiolos Bio acquisition. Aiolos Bio, another biotech company, launched in October 2023 with over $200 million and an anti-TSLP antibody. In less than three months, GSK acquired Aiolos Bio for $1 billion, with $400 million in milestone payments also in the deal.

Uniquity Bio positions solrikitug as a highly potent TSLP receptor binder with the potential to treat a broad range of immunological and inflammatory conditions. The company is optimistic about its chances in an increasingly competitive market. Uniquity anticipates the immunology and inflammation sector will grow by more than 150% by 2032, as both established pharmaceutical companies and new entrants aim to compete with AstraZeneca and Amgen’s anti-TSLP asthma medication, Tezspire.

The launch of Uniquity Bio is part of a recent trend of massive private financing rounds for companies in the immunology and inflammation space. For instance, in the past week, Attovia Therapeutics debuted with $105 million for itch conditions, and Zenas secured $200 million in series C funding for its autoimmune drug, obexelimab. Additionally, in late March, the former leader of Merck-bought Prometheus initiated Mirador Therapeutics with $400 million in backing.

With Blackstone Life Sciences providing comprehensive financial support, Uniquity Bio is well-positioned to make significant advances in the field. Kiran Reddy, M.D., Senior Managing Director at Blackstone, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership.

"We’re excited about the work that Uniquity has done so far with solrikitug and look forward to providing long-term financial support to the company," Reddy remarked in the announcement.

Uniquity Bio’s launch marks another significant milestone in the biotech industry's ongoing evolution, particularly in the areas of immunology and inflammation. The company's strategic focus on advancing solrikitug and expanding its pipeline could place it at the forefront of a rapidly growing market, providing innovative treatments for prevalent and challenging conditions like COPD and asthma. As the industry continues to attract substantial investments, Uniquity Bio stands out as a notable new player poised for future success.

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