Upstream Bio to Present New Data on Verekitug at ATS 2026 Conference

The company will showcase results from its Phase 2 VIBRANT trial for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 1:00pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A ghostly, translucent X-ray image revealing the intricate internal structure of a human nasal passage and sinus cavity, conceptually representing the clinical data on a novel treatment for chronic rhinosinusitis.New data on an experimental drug targeting the root causes of chronic nasal inflammation could offer hope for patients struggling with this debilitating condition.Today in Orlando

Upstream Bio, a clinical-stage biotechnology company, announced it will present new data from the Phase 2 VIBRANT trial of its investigational drug verekitug at the upcoming American Thoracic Society (ATS) 2026 International Conference in Orlando, Florida. The presentations will focus on verekitug's clinical effects in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) and comorbid asthma, as well as its impact on nasal and blood biomarkers.

Why it matters

Verekitug is the only known antagonist currently in clinical development that targets and inhibits the receptor for thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), a cytokine that is a validated driver of inflammatory response in various immune-mediated diseases. The data from the VIBRANT trial could provide important insights into verekitug's potential to address the substantial unmet needs for patients with CRSwNP and comorbid asthma, a population that often experiences severe and difficult-to-treat symptoms.

The details

The two poster presentations will feature data from the Phase 2 VIBRANT trial evaluating verekitug in patients with CRSwNP. One presentation will focus on the clinical effect of verekitug in participants with CRSwNP and comorbid asthma, while the other will examine the drug's impact on nasal and blood biomarkers of type 2 inflammation.

  • The ATS 2026 International Conference will take place on May 18, 2026 in Orlando, Florida.
  • The verekitug data presentations are scheduled for Monday, May 18, 2026 from 11:30 AM to 1:15 PM ET.

The players

Upstream Bio, Inc.

A clinical-stage biotechnology company developing treatments for inflammatory diseases, with an initial focus on severe respiratory disorders.

Joseph K. Han, MD

The presenting author for both verekitug data presentations at the ATS 2026 conference, and a professor at Old Dominion University.

Verekitug

Upstream Bio's investigational drug, the only known antagonist currently in clinical development that targets and inhibits the receptor for thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP).

Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps (CRSwNP)

The inflammatory condition that Upstream Bio is evaluating verekitug for, often accompanied by comorbid asthma.

American Thoracic Society (ATS)

The organization hosting the 2026 International Conference where Upstream Bio will present the verekitug data.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Upstream Bio plans to continue advancing verekitug through clinical development for the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, severe asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

The takeaway

The upcoming ATS 2026 presentations will provide important updates on verekitug's potential to address the significant unmet needs of patients suffering from chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps and comorbid asthma, a population that often experiences severe and difficult-to-treat symptoms.