For millions of people dealing with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), new treatment options bring hope—and concern.
You may have heard about mirikizumab (brand name: Omvoh), a recently FDA-approved drug for ulcerative colitis, now showing potential to help people with Crohn’s disease, too.
But before we label it a breakthrough, let’s take a closer look at what’s really in the mix: its benefits, risks, and what patients need to know about this drug.
BD is an umbrella term that includes ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, chronic conditions with no known cure that cause inflammation and damage in the digestive tract.
Patients often experience painful flare-ups, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fatigue, affecting daily life. And with limited treatment options that effectively put these diseases into long-term remission, the appeal of mirikizumab is understandable.
According to Eli Lilly, the pharmaceutical company behind mirikizumab, the drug works by targeting a specific protein linked to inflammation.
This approach has shown promise in clinical trials, with 81% of ulcerative colitis patients maintaining long-term remission over three years. That’s impressive, especially for those who don’t respond well to existing treatments.
But as with any new drug, it’s not all good news.
Mirikizumab falls into the category of interleukin inhibitors, drugs that alter immune system function to prevent inflammation. However, modifying immune responses can bring serious side effects.
Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Infection Risks: The drug can make patients more susceptible to infections, which can be severe—or even fatal. These include flu-like symptoms, skin sores, and even pneumonia. Monitoring is essential, as some infections could develop with few warning signs.
- Potential for Liver Damage: Patients taking mirikizumab are at risk for liver problems, which can show up as symptoms like nausea, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), and dark urine. Routine liver function tests are required, but long-term impacts are still unknown.
- Herpes and Cold Symptoms: Mild side effects such as rashes, joint pain, and cold-like symptoms (stuffy nose, sore throat) are reported. Though minor, these can still be a burden for those already dealing with IBD symptoms.
And while early studies are promising, mirikizumab is still new, and there are questions about long-term effects. So far, research has mainly focused on short- to medium-term outcomes, and we don’t have a clear picture of what extended use might mean, especially given its immune-altering properties.
There’s also limited data on its effects beyond ulcerative colitis, with more studies needed to confirm its safety and effectiveness for Crohn’s disease in the long run. What’s more, since it’s administered by injection, the practical and financial costs of using this treatment indefinitely are factors patients must consider.
If the risks of mirikizumab feel concerning, know there are other ways to help manage IBD, particularly if you’re looking for more natural approaches.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Studies show that these can help reduce inflammation. You can add them to your diet through fatty fish, flaxseeds, and supplements.
- Curcumin: The active ingredient in turmeric, curcumin has anti-inflammatory effects and may help alleviate symptoms in some IBD cases.
- Probiotics: A healthy gut microbiome can benefit IBD patients. Probiotic supplements or fermented foods like yogurt and sauerkraut can support gut health and immune function.
While mirikizumab does offer hope, especially for patients who haven’t had success with existing treatments, it’s wise to approach it with caution. Long-term studies are still needed to confirm its safety and effectiveness, particularly for Crohn’s disease.
Stay tuned as we continue to monitor developments with this drug. For now, if you or a loved one is considering mirikizumab, a detailed conversation with your healthcare provider is key. As always, make sure you understand both the potential benefits and risks, especially with any new treatment.
To keeping an eye on Big Pharma, so you can keep an eye on your health,
Rachel Mace
Managing Editorial Director, e-Alert
with contributions from the research team
Sources:
Pelc, C. (2024, November). FDA-approved drug for ulcerative colitis also effective for Crohn’s. Medicalnewstoday.com; Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/fda-approved-drug-for-ulcerative-colitis-also-effective-for-crohns#81-ulcerative-colitis-cases-maintain-long-term-remission
https://www.facebook.com/Drugscom. (2024). Mirikizumab Side Effects: Common, Severe, Long Term. Drugs.com. https://www.drugs.com/sfx/mirikizumab-side-effects.html
