Portfolio News
2026/02/20
SinoMab (03681.HK) Publishes Preclinical Studies for SM17 in ERJ Open Research, Highlighting Strong Therapeutic Potential in CRSwNP and IPF Treatment
(20 February 2026 – Hong Kong) A Hong Kong-based biopharmaceutical company dedicatedto the research, development of therapeutics for the treatment of immunological diseasesSinoMab BioScience Limited (“SinoMab” or the “Company”, Stock Code: 3681.HK), is pleasedto announce that the preclinical data for SM17, a first-in-class anti-IL-17RB antibody has beenpublished in ERJ Open Research, which demonstrates that SM17 significantly amelioratespathological features in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) and idiopathicpulmonary fibrosis (IPF) via dual suppression of Th2/Th17 pathways and anti-fibrotic activity,supporting its potential as a transformative therapy.SM17 functions by blocking the IL-25/IL-17RB signaling pathway. The research demonstratesthat IL-25 is an upstream regulator that drives both Th2 and Th17 inflammatory pathways.SM17 exhibits a dual mechanism by suppressing Th2-mediated eosinophilic inflammation andTh17 differentiation, the latter occurring through the inhibition of IL-25-induced M2macrophage polarization. Additionally, SM17 directly inhibits IL-25-driven fibroblast activationand epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), showcasing anti-fibrotic properties.The study shows that in an ovalbumin/SEB-induced murine model, SM17 administrationsignificantly restored olfactory function, reduced nasal polyp burden, and suppressed keypathological features, including eosinophil infiltration, goblet cell hyperplasia, and Th2cytokine levels. Its efficacy showed a trend of improvement over dexamethasone.In a bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis model, SM17 demonstrated comparable efficacyto the approved drug nintedanib (Nin) in reducing collagen deposition and Ashcroft score.Notably, SM17 uniquely attenuated Th17 cell infiltration in the lungs and showed a trend ofbetter suppression of α-SMA expression compared to both nintedanib and pirfenidone.Transcriptomic analysis (RNA-seq) suggested that SM17 modulates a broader range of fibroticand immune-response genes than nintedanib.
Dr. Shui On Leung, Chairman, Executive Director, and Chief Executive Officer of SinoMab,“we are very pleased to announce the publication of our preclinical studies on SM17 in ERJOpen Research, highlighting its potential to treat CRSwNP and IPF. These results position SM17as a promising, potential first-in-class biologic that targets a central upstream alarmin (IL-25).By simultaneously addressing Th2 inflammation, Th17 differentiation, and fibrosis, SM17 mayoffer a multifaceted therapeutic strategy for CRSwNP and IPF, potentially filling unmet needswhere current therapies targeting downstream effectors have limitations. Apart from CRSwNPand IPF, we continue to advance the clinical development of SM17 for atopic dermatitis as thePhase II clinical trial will soon be initiated. These milestones underscore our strategy todevelop SM17 as pipeline-in-a-pill. We’re looking forward to sharing more clinical progress innear future.”
Dr. Shui On Leung, Chairman, Executive Director, and Chief Executive Officer of SinoMab,“we are very pleased to announce the publication of our preclinical studies on SM17 in ERJOpen Research, highlighting its potential to treat CRSwNP and IPF. These results position SM17as a promising, potential first-in-class biologic that targets a central upstream alarmin (IL-25).By simultaneously addressing Th2 inflammation, Th17 differentiation, and fibrosis, SM17 mayoffer a multifaceted therapeutic strategy for CRSwNP and IPF, potentially filling unmet needswhere current therapies targeting downstream effectors have limitations. Apart from CRSwNPand IPF, we continue to advance the clinical development of SM17 for atopic dermatitis as thePhase II clinical trial will soon be initiated. These milestones underscore our strategy todevelop SM17 as pipeline-in-a-pill. We’re looking forward to sharing more clinical progress innear future.”
