China Approves Akeso’s Gumokimab for Plaque Psoriasis

China’s National Medical Products Administration has approved gumokimab, an anti-IL-17 monoclonal antibody developed by Akeso, for the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. The regulatory nod follows clinical data showing the drug achieves superior skin clearance rates compared to existing therapeutic options while requiring a significantly reduced annual injection schedule.

The approval rests on a pivotal Phase III study, AK111-301, alongside three supportive trials. Clinical evidence indicates that gumokimab offers both rapid onset—with meaningful improvement seen by the second week—and durable long-term control. By the 12th week of treatment, patients achieved a 94.6% PASI 75 response rate and a 47.7% rate of complete skin clearance. Those metrics improved further by the 52nd week, with the PASI 100 response rate reaching 68.9%, outperforming established agents in the same class.

Beyond clinical efficacy, the drug offers a logistical advantage for patients managing chronic conditions. The subcutaneous dosing regimen requires only 17 injections per year, roughly half the frequency of competing IL-17 inhibitors. Dr. Xia Yu, CEO of Akeso, noted that this approval strengthens the company’s immunology portfolio, which now includes two therapies targeting distinct pathogenic pathways. As the company continues to advance other candidates, including manfidokimab, regulators are also currently reviewing a supplemental application for gumokimab to treat active ankylosing spondylitis.