Risankizumab for moderate to severe ulcerative colitis

Risankizumab is in clinical development for moderate to severe ulcerative colitis. Ulcerative colitis is one of two major types of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It is a long-term immune-mediated inflammatory disorder where the colon and rectum become inflamed and small ulcers can develop on the colon’s lining, which can cause symptoms such as rectal bleeding and recurring diarrhoea. The main aims of treatment are to reduce symptoms, known as inducing remission, and maintaining remission. Current ulcerative colitis treatment options have relatively low remission rates and/or are associated with loss of response over time and possible adverse side effects. In addition, despite the advent of novel treatments to control the disease, many patients still require a colectomy (surgical removal of all or part of the colon). Therefore, there is a significant unmet need to develop new medicinal products for ulcerative colitis that are more effective and are associated with fewer adverse effects.