New drug XKH004 shows promise in phase 3 trial for back pain from ankylosing spondylitis

NCT ID NCT07498634

Completed Disease control Sponsor: Zhejiang Kanova Biopharmaceutical Co., LTD Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This Phase 3 trial tested a new drug called XKH004 in 323 adults with moderate-to-severe active ankylosing spondylitis, a type of arthritis that causes back pain and stiffness. The drug works by blocking two inflammatory proteins, IL-17A and IL-17F. Participants received either XKH004 or a placebo for 16 weeks, with the main goal being to see if more people on the drug achieved a 40% improvement in symptoms.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: XKH004 (an antibody that blocks IL-17A and IL-17F proteins to reduce inflammation)
What this could lead to: If successful, this could provide a new treatment option to control symptoms and slow disease progression in people with ankylosing spondylitis.
What could go wrong: This is a Phase 3 trial, but results are not yet published. The drug may not work better than placebo, and side effects like infections or allergic reactions are possible.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

ankylosing spondylitis

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

PHASE III

Contacts and locations

Locations

Shanghai Changzheng Hospital

Shanghai, China

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