# Medical advancements and drug approvals in Italy > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/medical-advancements-and-drug-approvals-in-italy > Updated: 2026-10-11T03:43:49.000Z. Sources: 23. Developments: 2. Medical developments in Italy have recently focused on advancements in respiratory medicine and gastroenterology. During the XXVII National Congress of the Italian Society of Pulmonology (SIP/IRS) in Rome, experts discussed shifting treatment goals for severe asthma and COPD toward clinical remission, highlighting the role of artificial intelligence and new biological therapies like depemokimab. In the field of gastroenterology, the Italian Medicines Agency (AIFA) has approved the reimbursement of mirikizumab for treating moderate to severe active Crohn's disease in adults. This monoclonal antibody, which targets the p19 subunit of interleukin-23, is intended for patients who have not responded adequately to conventional or other biological therapies. The approval follows a previous 2024 AIFA approval for the same drug to treat ulcerative colitis. Medical experts note that the treatment offers potential for clinical remission and mucosal healing, which may prevent complications requiring surgery or hospitalization. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-11: AIFA approves Mirikizumab reimbursement for Crohn's disease in Italy AIFA has approved the reimbursement of Mirikizumab for adults with moderate to severe active Crohn's disease in Italy, providing a new option for those intolerant to conventional therapies. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/aifa-approves-mirikizumab-reimbursement-for-crohns-disease-in-italy ### 2026-10-05: Medical advancements highlighted at SIP/IRS Congress and by AIFA Medical experts at the SIP/IRS Congress and Italian health authorities highlighted breakthroughs in respiratory care, including new asthma remission strategies, and the AIFA approval of mirikizumab for Crohn's. 19 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/aifa-approves-mirikizumab-for-crohns-disease-treatment-in-italy --- Cite as: Medical advancements and drug approvals in Italy. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/medical-advancements-and-drug-approvals-in-italy