Rinvouq Found Effective for UC in Phase 3 Trials

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With its FDA approval in August of 2019, Rinvouq began being prescribed for those with moderate to severe Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). While many have seen improvement in symptoms, it has recently been found to be effective in treating another autoimmune disease; Ulcerative Colitis. Both RA and UC are built around inflammation triggered from the immune system, so while it may sound strange, they do have many things in common. Let’s take a look at what we have found about this drug category, as well as some evidence from the phase 3 trials. 

This will be the third pill option for Ulcerative Colitis alone. Both Rinvouq and Xeljanz are in the JAK inhibitor category, meaning they block or inhibit the receptors on immune cells called cytokines. When triggered, they will produce even more cytokines. By blocking the pathway by which it communicates to mass produce those cytokines cells, it calms down the immune response and thus inflammation, for which both RA and IBD are known for. The third option, Zeposia is a S1P receptor modulator. It is a bioactive mediator that is responsible for regulation of many cellular level processes by way of activation of a G protein family known as S1P receptors, or S1PRs. Originally designed for MS, Zeposia has just received clearance for treatment of UC.  

In a Phase 3 study, Rinvouq was shown more effective in treating UC than the competition, Xeljanz. More research is needed to know exactly why Rinvouq is having a better remission rate, but this is positive news for those with UC that have not had success with other medications. While conducting this phase three study some impressive numbers were obtained. 73% of patients receiving Rinvouq responded to treatment, where only 27% responded to the placebo. They also collected data to show that at eight weeks 26% of patients achieved total remission, versus the 5% at eight weeks on the placebo. 

With astounding numbers like that, I bet we will see this on the books for approval of UC treatment soon. They have even collected evidence that patients who achieved remission, were greater than those currently on several biologics including Stelara, Humira, and Entyvio. This may pave the way to more advanced pill treatments for IBD in the near future. Keep your eye out for more innovation to come in the JAK inhibitor category, as these promising new treatment paths bring hope to many with autoimmune diseases. 

Want to check out all the scientific details? Take a look for yourself HERE!

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