China Antibody (03681.HK) published SM17 preclinical research in the European Respiratory Journal Open Research, highlighting strong potential in treating CRSwNP and IPF.
On February 20, 2026, the Hong Kong-based biopharmaceutical company focused on the research and development of therapies for immune diseases, China Antibody Limited (“China Antibody”, stock code:$SINOMAB BIO-B(3681.HK)$SINOMAB BIO-B(03681.HK) ) announced that the preclinical study of its first-in-class anti-IL-17RB antibody, SM17, has been published in the European Respiratory Journal Open Research. The study showed that SM17 significantly improved the pathological features of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) through dual inhibition of the Th2/Th17 pathways and anti-fibrotic activity, supporting its potential to become a transformative therapy.
SM17 works by blocking the IL-25/IL-17RB signaling pathway. Research indicates that IL-25 is an upstream regulator driving the Th2 and Th17 inflammatory pathways. SM17 exhibits a dual mechanism of action: on one hand, it inhibits Th2-mediated eosinophilic inflammation; on the other hand, it inhibits Th17 differentiation by suppressing IL-25-induced M2 macrophage polarization. Furthermore, SM17 directly inhibits IL-25-driven fibroblast activation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), demonstrating anti-fibrotic properties.
The study showed that in an ovalbumin (OVA)/staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB)-induced mouse model, administration of SM17 significantly restored olfactory function, reduced nasal polyp load, and suppressed key pathological features, including eosinophil infiltration, goblet cell hyperplasia, and Th2 cytokine levels. Its efficacy showed a trend of improvement superior to dexamethasone.
In a bleomycin (BLM)-induced pulmonary fibrosis model, SM17 demonstrated efficacy comparable to the approved drug nintedanib (Nin) in reducing collagen deposition and Ashcroft scores. Notably, SM17 uniquely reduced pulmonary Th17 cell infiltration and showed a better trend than nintedanib and pirfenidone in suppressing Α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression. Transcriptomic analysis (RNA-seq) indicated that SM17 regulates a broader range of fibrosis- and immune response-related genes compared to nintedanib.
Dr. Leung Shui On, Chairman, Executive Director, and Chief Executive Officer of China Antibody, stated: “We are very pleased to have published the preclinical study on SM17 in the European Respiratory Journal Open Research, highlighting its potential for treating CRSwNP and IPF. These results indicate that SM17 is a highly promising potential first-in-class biologic, targeting the critical upstream alarmin (IL-25). By simultaneously targeting Th2 inflammation, Th17 differentiation, and fibrosis, SM17 may provide a multifaceted treatment strategy for CRSwNP and IPF, with the potential to address the unmet needs where current therapies targeting downstream effectors have limitations. In addition to CRSwNP and IPF, we are actively advancing the clinical development of SM17 for atopic dermatitis, with a Phase II clinical trial about to commence. These milestones underscore our commitment to developing SM17 as a 'one drug, multiple pipelines' strategy. We look forward to sharing more clinical progress in the near future.”
For more information on this study, please refer to: https://publications.ersnet.org/content/erjor/early/2026/01/22/2312054101067-2025
-End-
About China Antibody Limited
China Antibody Limited (stock code:$SINOMAB BIO-B(3681.HK)) is a pioneer in the research and development of first-in-class and potential best-in-class antibody drugs, focusing on autoimmune diseases, and the resulting neurological disorders and other refractory wasting diseases, committed to addressing unmet medical needs. China Antibody is dedicated to developing therapeutic antibodies against novel targets and through innovative mechanisms, aiming to achieve differentiated clinical outcomes in areas where existing therapies are inadequate. Its rich R&D pipeline includes: SM17, which has demonstrated outstanding antipruritic effects, skin clearance rates, and safety in AD treatment, while also having application potential in asthma and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF); its flagship anti-CD22 antibody, Su Xili Monoclonal Antibody, which, in addition to clinically validated efficacy for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), is currently undergoing clinical evaluation for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and Alzheimer's disease; another innovative anti-CGC (common gamma chain) monoclonal antibody is preparing to enter clinical studies for the treatment of alopecia areata and vitiligo; China Antibody has also developed a bispecific antibody that simultaneously stimulates bone growth and inhibits bone loss for the treatment of osteoporosis. With a core pursuit of breakthrough efficacy, China Antibody continuously redefines patient care standards and maintains a leading position in the field of breakthrough therapies.
The copyright of this article belongs to the original author/organization.
The views expressed herein are solely those of the author and do not reflect the stance of the platform. The content is intended for investment reference purposes only and shall not be considered as investment advice. Please contact us if you have any questions or suggestions regarding the content services provided by the platform.
