In a recent Phase 3 study by AbbVie, Risankizumab (Skyrizi) was found effective for people with moderate to severe Crohn’s. In fact, in both Phase 3 trials patients showed not only clinical remission, but endoscopic response as well at 12 weeks. This study was done in two groups named ADVANCE and MOTIVATE. They had slightly different data, but the overall result was the same. Risankizumab showed not only effective for moderate to severe Crohn’s patients who were intolerant to biologic therapies, but also who had inadequate response from other conventional therapies too.
So how exactly is Risankizumab different from other biologics or corticosteroids? Well, this particular drug is an IL-23 inhibitor. It works by selectively blocking IL-23 from bonding to p19 cells. This cytokine inflammatory response is thought to be linked to many immune diseases and is under further peer review. Risankizumab was originally made for Plaque Psoriasis, but its recent results in treating Crohn’s are quite promising.
In these double-blind controlled studies group ADVANCE came in first with 45% and 42% achieving remission, respectively at 600 and 1200 mg doses. Group MOTIVATE wasn’t far behind at 42% and 41% respectively. This is compared to the 25% and 19% remission rates for placebos. Now you may be thinking that about 45% isn’t all that much, but remember that these patients were picked because other therapies had already failed. When you take that into consideration, these are some massive numbers toward improvement of real patients’ everyday lives.
Since these Phase 3 results were in favor of Risankizumab for treatment of Crohn’s, it’s next step will be seeking FDA approval from these studies. Once the FDA approves it, the drug can be prescribed for moderate to severe Crohn’s here in the U.S. There were also no new observed adverse effects of this drug, making its approval almost a guarantee. These results from AbbVie are yet another piece to the puzzle of IBD.
Want to check out the study for yourself? Take a look HERE & HERE!
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