Vunakizumab for IL-17A–Mediated Diseases: A Review in Psoriasis and Spondyloarthritis

Hongzhuo Yan,1,2,* Yu Chen,3,* Yali Song,1 Min Yan,1 Kexiang Yan1 1Dermatology Diagnosis and Treatment Center, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China; 2Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China; 3The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, People’s Republic of China*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Kexiang Yan, Email [email protected]: The interleukin-17A (IL-17A) cytokine is a key driver in the pathogenesis of chronic immune-mediated diseases, including psoriasis (PsO), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and ankylosing spondylitis (AS). As a central proinflammatory mediator, IL-17A signals through the IL-17RA/RC receptor complex to promote tissue-specific inflammation. This narrative review outlines the therapeutic rationale for targeting IL-17A and summarizes the current evidence for vunakizumab, a novel humanized monoclonal antibody against IL-17A. We reviewed the biological basis of IL-17A signaling and its pathogenic role in PsO, PsA, and AS. We then synthesized the pharmacokinetic properties of vunakizumab and the clinical evidence from Phase II and III trials evaluating its efficacy and safety. Post hoc analyses across a broad range of clinically relevant patient subgroups further support the consistency of its therapeutic effects. Clinical trial data demonstrate that vunakizumab offers robust efficacy and a favorable safety profile in the treatment of psoriasis and spondyloarthritis (including PsA and AS). Its properties are comparable to other approved IL-17A inhibitors, establishing it as a promising therapeutic option for these IL-17A–mediated diseases.Keywords: IL-17A, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, vunakizumab