Is There a Cure for Ankylosing Spondylitis?

There is no known cure for ankylosing spondylitis, but research is constantly expanding and evolving.

It is widely believed among researchers that ankylosing spondylitis develops due to genetic and environmental factors. It is also known that about 40% of people with ankylosing spondylitis have bowel inflammation. Combining many factors complicates the condition making a cure or reversal difficult to find.

This article with cover recent advancements in ankylosing spondylitis research and new medications. It will also discuss other treatment options.

Advancements in Ankylosing Spondylitis Research

The most recent advances in ankylosing spondylitis include the approval for a class of medications called Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors. The first JAK inhibitor approved for ankylosing spondylitis by the FDA was Xeljanz (tofacitinib) in December 2021. A second JAK inhibitor has since been approved by the FDA as well. Rinvoq (upadacitinib) was approved in April 2022.

Other advancements in ankylosing spondylitis research are on how the condition develops inside the body. Researchers are finding that the gut plays an essential part in the equation. A 2021 study determined that the gut microbiome could be a biomarker for deciding the effectiveness of ankylosing spondylitis treatment. This helps researchers make tools to predict patient outcomes and decide which treatments may be effective.

Future Breakthroughs

Ankylosing spondylitis is a condition of interest for many researchers. A quick look at the U.S. clinical trials search engine ClinicalTrials.gov and you will find over 400 studies currently in progress.

No one can predict future breakthroughs for ankylosing spondylitis research, but the future is promising. Researchers are looking into both symptom management and ways to reverse the condition.

Medications for AS Progression

There are several medications available for ankylosing spondylitis treatment. The first line of treatment is an NSAID. NSAIDs reduce inflammation and pain and can prevent disease progression by limiting the amount of bone formation.

When NSAIDs do not provide adequate treatment, the next step for many healthcare providers is to prescribe a TNF inhibitor. It is the first choice of biologic medication for ankylosing spondylitis. Other medication options include Interleukin-17 (IL-17) and Interleukin-23 (IL-23) inhibitors.

The newest group of medications to treat ankylosing spondylitis is JAK inhibitors. There is no one right medication for every person with ankylosing spondylitis. Some people do not respond to certain medications and must undergo a trial-and-error process to determine what is best for them.

Add-On Treatment Measures

Medication is not the only treatment for ankylosing spondylitis. A holistic approach is important to maintain mobility and find pain relief. This includes:

• Exercise
• Stretching
• Healthy diet
• Stress management
• Heat and cold therapy

Many complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) treatments are also used to treat ankylosing spondylitis. CAM treatments have not been thoroughly studied for ankylosing spondylitis. However, that does not mean they won't provide any benefits. Be sure to talk to a healthcare provider before starting CAM treatments to ensure it does not interfere with conventional therapies.

Summary

Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic condition that affects the spine and other large joints. Numerous therapies are available to treat the condition, however, there is no known cure. Researchers are finding new medications, with the most recently FDA-approved medication coming out in April 2022. With research always expanding and evolving, the future is promising with new therapies for ankylosing spondylitis.

A Word From Verywell

The future is bright if you or someone you know has ankylosing spondylitis. Research has identified genetic and environmental causes and is working on therapies to bring this condition to an end. Currently, many different medications minimize symptoms and can even slow the progress of ankylosing spondylitis. Stay in contact with your healthcare provider to ensure you learn about any new therapies to add to your treatment plan.