104124Proof of Concept clinical trial for Izana Biosciences’ Namilumab in ankylosing spondylitis patients.ClosedCollaborative R&DInnovate UKAnkylosing Spondylitis (AS) is a painful, debilitating and progressive arthritis where the joints and bones of the spine fuse together. It affects over 4.1 million people across the world, and is three times more common in men than in women. AS impacts on all aspects of the sufferer’s life, especially their ability to work and earn a living. Around 45% of sufferers of working age are unemployed or have had to retire early, imposing a high social and economic burden on healthcare providers and governments. AS is inadequately treated and almost half of patients have a poor, or no response, to current therapy. NAMILUMAB is a new monoclonal antibody with promising efficacy and safety in Rheumatoid Arthritis clinical trials. It works differently from current medicines, and there is good evidence to suggest it will provide a more effective and targeted treatment for AS sufferers. Izana Biosciences Ltd intend to progress Namilumab into a Phase 2 clinical proof-of-concept trial in AS patients. Success would herald a larger Phase 3 trial and eventual registration, and market availability in 2022.