I-Mab's IL-6 drug hits goal in ulcerative colitis phase 2

A phase 2 trial of I-Mab’s olamkicept in ulcerative colitis patients has met its primary endpoint. The study provides early evidence that the IL-6 inhibitor improves outcomes including rectal bleeding.

Interest in using anti-IL-6 drugs to treat ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease dates back decades. Researchers reported early clinical data on MRA, the molecule that went on to be known as Actemra, almost 20 years ago. More recently, Pfizer studied its IL-6 drug PF-04236921 in Crohn’s. Yet, despite the success of IL-6 drugs in other indications, the opportunity remains unrealized.