HBM HOLDINGS-B (02142) and SKB BIO (06990) saw their share prices rise against the broader market trend today.

At the time of writing, shares of HBM HOLDINGS-B were up 3.46% to HK$9.86, while SKB BIO shares gained 3.82% to HK$402.2.

Key Development Behind the Move

The price movement follows an announcement made on June 9 by SKB BIO, stating that its partner Windward Bio has completed the first patient dosing in a Phase II clinical study.

This study is designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of SKB378/WIN378 (HBM9378) for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

It is understood that SKB378/WIN378 was initially co-developed by SKB BIO and HBM HOLDINGS-B, with both companies sharing global rights equally.

Public information indicates that this drug is a next-generation fully human monoclonal antibody that works by inhibiting thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP).

TSLP is a clinically validated target that plays a key role in the onset and progression of various immune-mediated diseases, including asthma and COPD.

Should subsequent clinical trials progress smoothly, SKB378/WIN378 has the potential to become the first approved ultra-long-acting anti-TSLP antibody for the treatment of asthma and COPD.