Risankizumab: First Global Approval

Risankizumab (Skyrizi®), a humanised IgG monoclonal antibody that targets the p19 subunit of IL-23, was developed by AbbVie in collaboration with Boehringer Ingelheim for the treatment of immunological and inflammatory disorders. In March 2019, risankizumab received its first global approval in Japan for the treatment of adults with psoriasis vulgaris, psoriatic arthritis, generalized pustular psoriasis and erythrodermic psoriasis. Risankizumab has also received approval in the USA, Canada and the EU for the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, and is in phase 3 development for this indication as well as psoriatic arthritis in several countries worldwide. Phase 2 and 3 clinical evaluation of risankizumab is ongoing in several countries in the treatment of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Risankizumab is also in phase 2 development for the treatment of atopic dermatitis globally. This article summarizes the milestones in the development of risankizumab leading to this first approval for psoriasis vulgaris, psoriatic arthritis, generalized pustular psoriasis and erythrodermic psoriasis.