Cue Biopharma said its hives drug candidate achieved the main goal of a phase 2 study, clearing the way for the biotech to start a combined phase 2b/3 trial. The announcement was reported by Fierce Biotech, which described the result as a win for the company.
The candidate is being developed as a would-be competitor to Xolair, an established treatment for chronic hives. Based on the midstage success, Cue is emboldened to advance the program, though the source did not disclose specific efficacy or safety details beyond the positive primary endpoint.
The next trial will combine phase 2b and phase 3 elements, a design that can speed development. With only one source available, there is no independent corroboration of the results or the company’s interpretation. Further data from the upcoming study will be needed to assess how the drug compares with Xolair in terms of effectiveness and safety.