Few expected the positive top-line results from CANTOS showing the Phase III cardiovascular disease study using canakinumab met the primary endpoint. Most want to see the full details being unveiled later in 2017.

A series of recent and anticipated events is drawing attention to interleukin-17 and related cytokines – a set of immunological drug targets of long-standing interest to large and small companies. The current crop of big-company candidates are biologics and may prove too harsh for all but the most severe immunological conditions, leaving room for start-ups developing small molecules.

The agency seeks more clinical data on canakinumab in refractory patients after an advisory committee meeting that focused on the drug's potential risks.