Interleukin-23 (IL-23) inhibitor, mirikizumab in the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC): a promising therapy?

Mirikizumab is a monoclonal antibody that targets the human IL-23p19 and has been humanized with IgG4. It is currently under development for treating Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. The FDA approved mirikizumab on October 26, 2023 as a highly effective treatment for ulcerative colitis, providing patients with a new option for this chronic and debilitating inflammatory bowel disease. Millions of people worldwide suffer from ulcerative colitis, and it is crucial to induce and maintain remission. However, existing therapies may not suffice in terms of efficacy or patient tolerability. Mirikizumab demonstrated a favorable safety profile during trials, with reported adverse events aligning with anticipated outcomes in the patient group. These safety results underscore the viability of mirikizumab as a well-tolerated therapeutic option for extended use. The trials data indicated that the treatment not only swiftly alleviated symptoms but also exhibited potential for sustaining remission over an extended period. This article seeks to offer a condensed overview of the noteworthy clinical trial outcomes that contributed to the development of mirikizumab, ultimately leading to its initial approval for the treatment of ulcerative colitis.