Private Equity Player Blackstone Life Sciences Launches Anti-TSLP Venture with $300m—Inspired by Success of  Amgen/AstraZeneca’s Tezepelumab

Blackstone (NYSE:BX) backed Uniquity Bio launched yesterday, considered a portfolio company of Blackstone Life Sciences (“Blackstone”). A clinical-stage drug development company focused on immunology and inflammation, Uniquity Bio emerges from stealth mode with a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) acceptance of its Phase 2 investigational new drug (IND) application for solrikitug, a monoclonal antibody targeting TSLP, and up to $300 million in a capital injection from Blackstone to advance the asset in multiple indications. This deal reflects a reality in the world of drug development and clinical trials--- private equity players competing with traditional pharmaceutical companies to develop important medicines, and of course in the process valuable assets.   

According to the joint press release, the company aims to deliver best-in-class efficacy with solrikitug across several critical respiratory and GI indications with significant unmet needs. Importantly, private equity players such as Blackstone Life Sciences seek ideally platform life science technology that can be utilized across indications—this can make the emerging pharma/biotech company more valuable.