Shanghai, China, November 11, 2025- Novamab , a biotechnology company dedicated to the research and development of innovative drugs, announced that its core inhalation product LQ036 (targeting IL-4R α single domain antibody) has completed the first subject enrollment and administration in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter phase IIb clinical study in poorly controlled asthma patients.

The study was jointly led by Chief Physician Qu Jieming and Chief Physician Tang Wei from Ruijin Hospital affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, and conducted in approximately 60 research centers across the country. The main objective of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of different doses of LQ036 single domain antibody nebulization solution in poorly controlled asthma patients, in order to confirm the recommended therapeutic dose for phase III clinical trials.

Novamab  will continue to promote the progress of subsequent clinical research and further verify the clinical value of LQ036.

Regarding LQ036

LQ036 is an inhaled drug targeting IL-4R α, independently developed by Novamab  with complete independent intellectual property rights, used for the treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). LQ036 can effectively inhibit the binding of IL-4R α to IL-4 and IL-13, thereby blocking signaling pathways and regulating immune function, including inhibiting Th2 cell differentiation, alleviating respiratory allergic reactions, and IgE synthesis, thereby improving asthma symptoms. Previous Phase I and Phase IIa clinical studies conducted in Australia and China have shown that LQ036 has rapid onset, significant and sustained anti-inflammatory effects, and demonstrates excellent safety.

Regarding Asthma

Asthma is a globally recognized medical problem, listed as one of the four major persistent diseases by the World Health Organization, and is the second leading cause of death and disability in the world after cancer. Approximately 350 million people worldwide suffer from asthma, with about 5% -10% of asthma patients still unable to effectively control their symptoms after inhalation therapy with small molecule drugs [1], resulting in a huge unmet clinical demand. According to the GINA guidelines, antibody based drugs are suitable for adding control therapy to severe patients, which is a cumulative control drug based on existing medication and requires long-term use [2]. Due to the large molecular weight (about 150 kDa) and poor stability of monoclonal antibodies, they can only be administered through intravenous or subcutaneous injection.

In contrast, inhalation administration has the advantages of good compliance, fast onset, low dosage, less systemic exposure, and potential adverse events, making it suitable for a wider range of asthma patients [2]. However, to date, no inhaled macromolecular asthma medication has been approved for market worldwide. The advancement of LQ036 is expected to fill this gap.

Company Introduction

Novamab is located in the Shanghai International Medical Park (Pudong New District). It is an innovative biopharmaceutical company in the clinical stage, dedicated to developing VHH antibody drugs targeting the multi-billion-dollar markets of respiratory diseases and inflammatory disorders. Our mission is to develop life-changing therapies for patients through the research and development of innovative VHHs, while also enhancing drug efficacy and usability.

The company utilizes the advanced VHH platform to fully leverage the advantages of VHHs, creating highly differentiated antibody drug platforms, including the inhaled antibody platform, the oral antibody platform, and the dual/multi-antibody platform. Our product pipeline includes the FIC Phase II clinical inhaled IL-4R VHH, the Phase I clinical inhaled TSLP VHH, and multiple TL1A dual/multi-antibodies and oral pipelines, targeting indications such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

[1] O'Byrne PM, Panettieri RA Jr, Taube C, Brindicci C, et al. Development of an inhaled anti-TSLP therapy for asthma. Pulm Pharmacol Ther. 2023 Feb; 78:102184.

[2] Global Initiative for Asthma. Global Strategy for Asthma Management and Prevention, 2023. Updated May 2023.（ Available from: www.ginasthma.org.）