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.

Bimekizumab (CDP-4940; UCB-4940) is being developed as a potential treatment for AS and other inflammatory conditions. It works by neutralizing the cytokines interleukin-17A and interleukin-17F, exerting anti-inflammatory effects that may help in treating AS.

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.

Xeljanz (tofacitinib citrate) is a small-molecule therapy that can ease the symptoms of inflammatory joint diseases like AS by fighting inflammation itself. It is already approved for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.