Experimental Treatments for Ankylosing Spondylitis

Arcoxia (etoricoxib) is used to manage the symptoms of joint pain and swelling that accompany AS and other inflammatory conditions. It is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) but has a distinctly different mechanism of action than traditional drugs of this type, such as ibuprofen or naproxen.

Filgotinib is an experimental therapy called a Janus kinase 1 (JAK1) inhibitor. Janus kinases (JAK) play a key role in transmitting signals from cytokines, or growth factors, into a cell. By inhibiting JAK, filgotinib blocks the pathway leading to spinal inflammation.

Namilumab is an investigational monoclonal antibody that binds and neutralizes a cell signaling molecule that stimulates the growth and differentiation of blood cells called granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), the levels of which are elevated in AS patients.

Netakimab (BCD-085) is an experimental monoclonal antibody that binds to IL-17, interrupting the signals that promote inflammation and potentially easing the symptoms and slowing the progression of AS.

Upadacitinib (ABT-494) is an experimental JAK1 inhibitor designed to suppress the immune response and potentially ease symptoms related to AS and other inflammatory conditions. It is already approved to treat rheumatoid arthritis.