A NOVEL IL-17A–targeting monoclonal antibody, vunakizumab, has demonstrated encouraging efficacy and safety in patients with active psoriatic arthritis (PsA), according to results from a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 2 study. The findings suggest the investigational biologic could expand therapeutic options for a condition where treatment responses vary widely among patients.
The trial enrolled adults aged 18–75 years with confirmed active PsA, who were randomised to receive subcutaneous vunakizumab at doses of 120 mg or 240 mg, or placebo, at weeks 0, 2, 4, and 8. The primary endpoint was achievement of an American College of Rheumatology 20% improvement response (ACR20) at week 12, a commonly used measure of clinical improvement in inflammatory arthritis trials.
Vunakizumab Improves ACR20 Response Rates at Week 12
By week 12, both vunakizumab doses significantly outperformed placebo. Nearly half of patients receiving 120 mg achieved ACR20 response (47.4%), rising to 59.5% in the 240 mg group, compared with 21.6% among those receiving placebo. Improvements were maintained through 24 weeks, and participants initially assigned to placebo also showed clinical benefit after switching to active treatment at week 12.
Researchers reported that vunakizumab was generally well tolerated. Treatment-emergent adverse events occurred at similar rates across the treatment and placebo groups during the core 12-week period, and no severe adverse events were observed. The comparable safety profile is notable given the ongoing need for effective therapies that balance disease control with manageable risks.
Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic immune-mediated disease affecting joints, skin, and entheses, and while biologics targeting tumour necrosis factor and IL-17 pathways have transformed care, unmet needs remain for patients who do not respond adequately or experience adverse effects. As a humanised antibody targeting IL-17A, vunakizumab aims to reduce inflammation by interrupting a key cytokine pathway implicated in PsA pathogenesis.
Findings Support Phase 3 Development of Vunakizumab
Although the study was relatively small and designed primarily to assess preliminary efficacy, the authors concluded that the positive clinical responses and acceptable safety findings support further investigation. A larger phase 3 trial will be needed to confirm long-term benefits and determine how vunakizumab compares with existing biologic therapies in routine clinical practice.
If validated in future studies, vunakizumab could represent another targeted treatment option for individuals living with active psoriatic arthritis.
Reference
Xue Y et al. Vunakizumab in patients with active psoriatic arthritis: a multicentre, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 2 study. Rheumatology. 2026;doi: 10.1093/rheumatology/keag060.
