Minghui Pharma Secures FDA IND Clearance to Launch Global Phase 3 Trials of MHB018A in Thyroid Eye Disease

16 December 2025 | Tuesday | News

Phase 3 studies will evaluate a subcutaneous, Q4W IGF-1R antibody in both active and chronic TED following strong proptosis response rates in Phase 2.

Minghui Pharmaceutical, a late-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing transformative medicines in immunology and oncology, today announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared its Investigational New Drug (IND) Application to initiate global Phase Ⅲ clinical trials of MHB018A for the treatment of thyroid eye disease (TED). The trials in both active and chronic TED are randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of subcutaneous MHB018A administered every four weeks (Q4W).

MHB018A, a novel VHH-based IGF-1R antibody, is emerging as a potential best-in-class therapy, supported by compelling Phase Ⅱ data:

  • Active TED: At the 450 mg dose (n=32), MHB018A achieved an 81% proptosis response rate at Week 12, demonstrating stronger efficacy than reported for intravenous IGF-1R antibodies. The treatment was well tolerated, with a favorable safety profile. No unique toxicities or Grade≥3 hearing-related AEs were observed.
  • Chronic TED: At the 450 mg dose (n=33), MHB018A achieved a 76% proptosis response rate at Week 24, exceeding historical results for intravenous IGF-1R antibodies. The 24-week treatment was well tolerated, with no TEAE leading to discontinuation, death, or premature withdrawal from the study. No SAEs and no severe hearing-related AEs were reported.

Detailed Phase Ⅱ results will be presented at upcoming medical conferences. The program was also highlighted at the 8th Evercore Healthcare Conference in December 2025.

"FDA Clearance of our Phase Ⅲ IND marks an important milestone and brings us a step closer to delivering a best-in-class therapeutic option to the large and underserved TED community." said Guoqing Cao, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of Minghui Pharmaceutical. "We are eager to advance MHB018A, our next-generation subcutaneous IGF-1R antibody with a differentiated profile. In China, we initiated a Phase Ⅲ trial in active TED in July 2025 and expect topline data in Summer 2026. We plan to begin enrollment of the Phase Ⅲ trial in chronic TED in early 2026. In the U.S., we anticipate initiating Phase Ⅲ trials in the first half of 2026. As these global efforts progress, our focus remains on moving MHB018A efficiently toward registration and ultimately providing a meaningful treatment option for patients living with TED."

 

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