Another IL-17A inhibitor (Vunakizumab) for active Ankylosing Spondylitis Save

Vunakizumab, a novel anti–interleukin (IL) 17A monoclonal antibody, was studied in patients with active radiographic axial spondyloarthritis [r-axSpA] and found to be effective and tolerable. 

This clinical trial done in China enrolled 548 active r-axSpA  patients were enrolled in a phase 3 trial and were randomized 2:2:1 to receive a subcutaneous dose of vunakizumab, 120 mg, vunakizumab, 240 mg, or placebo; vunakizumab, 120 mg was determined to be the recommended dose after interim analysis. In phase 3, patients were randomized 2:1 to receive vunakizumab, 120 mg or placebo at weeks 0, 2, 4, 8, and 12; from week 16, all patients received vunakizumab, 120 mg every 4 weeks through week 32.  The primary end point was the ASAS20 at week 16. 

At week 16, the ASAS20 response rate was significantly higher with vunakizumab, 120 mg vs placebo (66% vs 42%; P < .001); the ASAS40 response rate also favored vunakizumab, 120 mg vs placebo (46% vs 24%; P < .001). These responses were sustained through 32 weeks. Adverse events were comparable between groups.

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