Minghui Pharmaceutical has presented complete Phase I/II clinical data for MHB018A, a subcutaneous anti-IGF-1R antibody being developed for thyroid eye disease.
The data were presented in an oral session at ENDO 2026 in Chicago and covered outcomes in both active and chronic thyroid eye disease. MHB018A is designed to block IGF-1 and IGF-2 mediated signalling through IGF-1R, a key pathway involved in thyroid eye disease biology.
This is relevant because thyroid eye disease can cause eye bulging, inflammation, double vision, pain and functional impairment. Current treatment options remain limited, and convenience, durability and safety are important considerations for patients requiring long-term disease control.
At the recommended Phase III dose of 450 mg once every four weeks, MHB018A achieved an 81 per cent proptosis response at Week 12 in active thyroid eye disease and a 76 per cent proptosis response at Week 24 in chronic thyroid eye disease.
In active disease, the treatment also showed a 78 per cent overall response, 85 per cent diplopia response and 59 per cent complete diplopia resolution. In chronic disease, diplopia response reached 61 per cent, with complete diplopia resolution in 50 per cent of patients.
MHB018A was generally well tolerated among 98 treated patients. The company reported that all hearing-related adverse events were Grade 1, with no severe or permanent hearing damage observed.
The therapy is now being evaluated in ongoing Phase III trials in China, with topline results expected in the third quarter of 2026. Minghui has also received U.S. FDA clearance for an IND to begin global Phase III studies.
Adoption will depend on Phase III confirmation, regulatory outcomes, long-term safety, dosing convenience and how the therapy compares with existing IGF-1R-targeted options. The subcutaneous once-every-four-weeks profile could be commercially relevant if it reduces treatment burden while maintaining efficacy.
The development reflects growing competition in targeted therapies for thyroid eye disease. For the broader biopharma sector, the key question is whether next-generation IGF-1R antibodies can improve access, safety and convenience in a market where unmet need remains significant.
