Vunakizumab: First Approval

Vunakizumab (安达静^®) is a subcutaneous (SC) recombinant anti-interleukin (IL)-17A humanized monoclonal IgG1/κ antibody being developed by Suzhou Suncadia Biopharmaceutical Co., Ltd (a subsidiary of Jiangsu Hengrui Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd) for the systemic treatment of autoimmune diseases related to the IL-17 pathway, including psoriasis, ankylosing spondylitis and psoriatic arthritis. In August 2024, vunakizumab was approved in China for the treatment of adult patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis who are suitable for systemic treatment or phototherapy. This article summarizes the milestones in the development of vunakizumab leading to this first approval for the systemic treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis.