China's Akeso Biopharma announced its IL-17A inhibitor gumokimab met all primary and secondary endpoints in a Phase III trial for active ankylosing spondylitis (AS), demonstrating statistically significant improvements in ASAS20 and ASAS40 response rates. The fully humanised monoclonal antibody (mAb) blocks IL-17 signalling to reduce inflammation in this chronic autoimmune disease affecting approximately 3.9 million patients in China alone. The biologic previously showed positive Phase III results in plaque psoriasis, with its new drug application for that indication accepted by China's Centre for Drug Evaluation (CDE) in January 2025.

The candidate joins four approved IL-17A inhibitors in China including Novartis' secukinumab and Lilly's ixekizumab. Akeso's pipeline features three non-oncology biologics in late-stage development, positioning it as a leader in autoimmune disease innovation. Gumokimab's dual approvals in psoriasis and ankylosing spondylitis could address significant unmet needs in China's biologics-underserved autoimmune market.

PharmCube's NextBiopharm® database lists 26 IL-17A mAbs under active development by 29 different companies worldwide. Click here to request a free trial for NextBiopharm®.