Upadacitinib Reduces Crohn's Disease Symptoms Within the First Week of Induction Therapy

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Upadacitinib (UPA), an oral Janus kinase inhibitor, is approved to treat moderately to severely active Crohn's disease (CD). Because symptomatic response is an important initial treatment goal for patients, we evaluated the rapidity of symptomatic improvement in patients with CD receiving UPA 45 mg once daily (UPA45) induction therapy.

METHODS

This post hoc analysis included pooled data from 2 phase 3, multicenter, double-blind, 12-week induction trials (U-EXCEL and U-EXCEED) and 1 maintenance trial (U-ENDURE). Daily diary data for the first 15 days of UPA45 or placebo (PBO) treatment were used to analyze improvement in very soft/liquid stool frequency (SF) and abdominal pain score (APS). Clinical outcomes were evaluated at every study visit.

RESULTS

Overall, 1021 patients (n = 674 UPA45; n = 347 PBO) were analyzed. UPA45 demonstrated greater efficacy vs PBO for SF <3 and APS ≤1, providing rapid relief by day 5 or 6, regardless of prior biologic exposure. Mean changes in SF and APS were greater with UPA45 beginning at week 2 (-2.0 and -0.5, respectively; P < .001) and were maintained through week 12 (-3.0 and -1.0, respectively; P < .001) vs PBO. The first achievement of daily SF/APS clinical remission occurred earlier with UPA45 (median, 13 d) vs PBO (median, 32 d), and patients treated with UPA45 showed improved rates of SF/APS clinical remission (21.1% UPA45 vs 8.9% PBO) and clinical response (58.8% UPA45 vs 37.9% PBO) starting at week 2 (both P ≤ .01).

CONCLUSIONS

UPA45 provided rapid relief of clinical symptoms within the first week of treatment in patients with CD.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov numbers: NCT03345849, NCT03345836, and NCT03345823.

Early Biologic Treatment Decreases Risk of Surgery in Crohn's Disease but not in Ulcerative Colitis: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can lead to long-term complications that significantly impact patients' quality of life and healthcare resource utilization. Prior studies have demonstrated improved short-term outcomes to early exposure of biologics in patients with Crohn's disease (CD) but not in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). However, there are conflicting data on impact of early intervention on longer-term adverse events. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis assessing the impact of early biologic treatment on rates of IBD-related surgery.

METHODS

A systematic search was conducted in April 2022. Studies were included if biologic initiation was compared between patients starting early (<3 years of diagnosis or top-down treatment) vs later (>3 years of diagnosis or step-up treatment). Studies with <1 year of follow-up were excluded. The outcomes were colectomy and CD-related surgery for patients with UC and CD, respectively. Random-effects analyses were conducted to compare rates of IBD surgery between early and late biologic treatment.

RESULTS

Eighteen studies were included in the meta-analysis. Three studies included patients with UC and 15 studies included patients with CD. In patients with CD, early biologic therapy was associated with lower odds of surgery (odds ratio, 0.63; 95% confidence interval, 0.48-0.84) compared with late treatment. Conversely, in patients with UC, the odds of colectomy were increased (odds ratio, 2.86; 95% confidence interval, 1.30-6.30).

CONCLUSIONS

Early biologic treatment is associated with lower rates of surgery in patients with CD. In contrast, early biologic therapy appears to be associated with higher rates of colectomy in patients with UC, which may be confounded by disease severity.

Targeting the Interleukin 23 Pathway in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Interleukin (IL) 23, a member of the IL12 family of cytokines, maintains intestinal homeostasis, but is also implicated in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). The IL23 receptor is a heterodimer composed of disulfide-linked p19 and p23 subunits. Humanized monoclonal antibodies selectively targeting the p19 subunit of IL23 are poised to become prominent drugs in IBDs. In this review, we discuss the pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties of the currently available IL23p19 inhibitors and discuss the mechanistic underpinnings of their therapeutic effects, including the mechanism of action, epitope affinity, potency, and downstream signaling. Furthermore, we address available data on the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of IL23-specific p19 inhibitors in the treatment of IBDs and discuss important studies performed in other immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. Finally, we evaluate the potential for combining classes of biological therapies and provide future directions on the development of precision medicine-guided positioning of IL23p19 inhibitors in IBD.

Efficacy and safety of upadacitinib for 16-week extended induction and 52-week maintenance therapy in patients with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis

BACKGROUND

Upadacitinib is an oral, selective Janus kinase inhibitor.

AIM

To assess the efficacy and safety of upadacitinib in patients with moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis following 16-week extended induction therapy, and 52-week maintenance therapy in patients achieving clinical response after 16-week extended induction therapy METHODS: Patients without clinical response to 8 weeks' upadacitinib 45 mg once daily induction therapy in two induction trials were eligible for an additional 8 weeks of therapy. Patients achieving clinical response at Week 16 were subsequently re-randomised (1:1) to upadacitinib 15 or 30 mg once daily for 52-week maintenance therapy. Efficacy was assessed at induction Week 16 (integrated) and maintenance Week 52; safety was assessed throughout.

RESULTS

Overall, 127/663 (19.2%) patients did not achieve clinical response to upadacitinib 45 mg at Week 8 and received an additional 8 weeks of therapy; 75/127 (59.1%) subsequently achieved clinical response at Week 16 and entered the maintenance trial. At Week 52, 26.5% of patients receiving upadacitinib 15 mg, and 43.6% receiving 30 mg, achieved clinical remission; efficacy was observed across all other endpoints with both doses. Herpes zoster rates increased with longer duration (16 weeks) of exposure to upadacitinib 45 mg during induction compared with the same population during the first 8 weeks. No other new safety signals were observed, and results are otherwise consistent with the known safety profile of upadacitinib.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients without clinical response after 8 weeks' upadacitinib 45 mg induction therapy, may benefit from an additional 8 weeks of therapy.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT02819635; NCT03653026.

Magnetic Resonance Enterography Assessment of Transmural Healing with Vedolizumab in Moderate to Severe Crohn's Disease: Feasibility in the VERSIFY Phase 3 Clinical Trial

Purpose

The VERSIFY phase 3 trial in patients with Crohn's disease (CD) treated with vedolizumab was the first to include a substudy that used a standardized magnetic resonance enterography (MRE) protocol to assess features of transmural inflammation (bowel edema and wall thickness) and extramural disease activity (enlarged lymph nodes).

Patients and Methods

Patients received intravenous vedolizumab (300 mg) at weeks 0 (baseline), 2, and 6, and then every 8 weeks for 26 or 52 weeks. Post hoc analyses included a subpopulation with a Magnetic Resonance Index of Activity score of ≥7 in at least one bowel segment at baseline and at least one postbaseline MRE assessment. Changes in transmural inflammation, including intramural bowel edema and wall thickness, were evaluated. Patient-level and segment-level analyses were performed.

Results

MRE images were evaluated in 27 patients with 83 evaluable bowel segments at baseline and week 26, and 13 patients with 38 evaluable segments at baseline, week 26, and week 52. At baseline, all patients had bowel wall edema and wall thickness of >3 mm in at least one bowel segment. The proportion of patients with edema decreased at weeks 26 (17/27 [63.0%]) and 52 (4/13 [30.8%]) and the proportion with bowel wall thickness of >3 mm decreased at weeks 26 (25/27 [92.6%]) and 52 (10/13 [76.9%]).

Conclusion

In patients with CD treated with vedolizumab for 26 and 52 weeks, the number of patients, and bowel segments, with MRE-detected transmural inflammation was reduced. These results highlight the impact of vedolizumab on components of transmural inflammation in CD and demonstrate that using MRE in CD multicenter clinical trials is feasible.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02425111, April 23, 2015, http://www.clinicaltrials.gov NCT02425111; EU Clinical Trials Register EudraCT 2014-003509-13, https://www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu.

Evolution of Symptoms After Ustekinumab Induction Therapy in Patients With Crohn's Disease

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Ustekinumab is an effective treatment of Crohn's disease (CD). Of interest to patients is knowing how soon symptoms may improve. We analyzed ustekinumab response dynamics from the ustekinumab CD trials.

METHODS

Patients with CD received intravenous induction with ustekinumab ∼6 mg/kg (n = 458) or placebo (n = 457). Week 8 ustekinumab responders received subcutaneous ustekinumab 90 mg as the first maintenance dose or as an extended induction dose for nonresponders. Patient-reported symptom changes (stool frequency, abdominal pain, general well-being) within the first 14 days and clinical outcomes through week 44 were evaluated using the CD Activity Index.

RESULTS

After ustekinumab infusion, stool frequency improvement was significantly (P < .05) greater than placebo on day 1 and for all patient-reported symptoms by day 10. In patients with no history of biologic failure or intolerance, cumulative clinical remission rates increased from 23.0% at week 3 to 55.5% at week 16 after the subcutaneous dose at week 8. Corresponding cumulative rates for patients with a history of biologic failure or intolerance increased from 12.9% to 24.1%. Neither change from baseline in CD Activity Index score nor week 8 ustekinumab pharmacokinetics were associated with week 16 response. Among all patients who received subcutaneous ustekinumab 90 mg q8w, up to 66.7% were in clinical response at week 44.

CONCLUSIONS

Ustekinumab induction provided symptom relief by day 1 post-infusion. Following ustekinumab infusion and a subcutaneous 90 mg injection, clinical outcomes continued to increase through week 16 and up to week 44. Regardless of week 8 clinical status or ustekinumab pharmacokinetics, patients should receive additional treatment at week 8.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov numbers, NCT01369329, NCT01369342, and NCT01369355.

HLA-DQA1*05 Not Associated With Ustekinumab Loss of Response and Antidrug Antibodies in Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's Disease Patients

It is unknown if inflammatory bowel disease patients carrying the HLA-DQA1*05 allele have a greater risk of immunogenicity to ustekinumab. We observed that ustekinumab-treated patients carrying the allele did not have increased immunogenicity or reduced efficacy/serum ustekinumab concentrations vs noncarriers

A Novel 8-Predictors Signature to Predict Complicated Disease Course in Pediatric-onset Crohn's Disease: A Population-based Study

BACKGROUND

The identification of patients at high risk of a disabling disease course would be invaluable in guiding initial therapy in Crohn's disease (CD). Our objective was to evaluate a combination of clinical, serological, and genetic factors to predict complicated disease course in pediatric-onset CD.

METHODS

Data for pediatric-onset CD patients, diagnosed before 17 years of age between 1988 and 2004 and followed more than 5 years, were extracted from the population-based EPIMAD registry. The main outcome was defined by the occurrence of complicated behavior (stricturing or penetrating) and/or intestinal resection within the 5 years following diagnosis. Lasso logistic regression models were used to build a predictive model based on clinical data at diagnosis, serological data (ASCA, pANCA, anti-OmpC, anti-Cbir1, anti-Fla2, anti-Flax), and 369 candidate single nucleotide polymorphisms.

RESULTS

In total, 156 children with an inflammatory (B1) disease at diagnosis were included. Among them, 35% (n = 54) progressed to a complicated behavior or an intestinal resection within the 5 years following diagnosis. The best predictive model (PREDICT-EPIMAD) included the location at diagnosis, pANCA, and 6 single nucleotide polymorphisms. This model showed good discrimination and good calibration, with an area under the curve of 0.80 after correction for optimism bias (sensitivity, 79%, specificity, 74%, positive predictive value, 61%, negative predictive value, 87%). Decision curve analysis confirmed the clinical utility of the model.

CONCLUSIONS

A combination of clinical, serotypic, and genotypic variables can predict disease progression in this population-based pediatric-onset CD cohort. Independent validation is needed before it can be used in clinical practice.

Geography Influences Susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 Serological Response in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Multinational Analysis From the ICARUS-IBD Consortium

BACKGROUND

Beyond systematic reviews and meta-analyses, there have been no direct studies of serological response to COVID-19 in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) across continents. In particular, there has been limited data from Asia, with no data reported from India. The ICARUS-IBD (International study of COVID-19 Antibody Response Under Sustained immunosuppression in IBD) consortium assessed serological response to SARS-CoV-2 in patients with IBD in North America, Europe, and Asia.

METHODS

The ICARUS-IBD study is a multicenter observational cohort study spanning sites in 7 countries. We report seroprevalence data from 2303 patients with IBD before COVID-19 vaccination between May 2020 and November 2021. SARS-CoV-2 anti-spike and anti-nucleocapsid antibodies were analyzed.

RESULTS

The highest and lowest SARS-CoV-2 anti-spike seropositivity rates were found in Asia (81.2% in Chandigarh and 57.9% in Delhi, India; and 0% in Hong Kong). By multivariable analysis, country (India: odds ratio [OR], 18.01; 95% confidence interval [CI], 12.03-26.95; P < .0001; United Kingdom: OR, 2.43; 95% CI, 1.58-3.72; P < .0001; United States: OR, 2.21; 95% CI, 1.27-3.85; P = .005), male sex (OR, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.07-1.99; P = .016), and diabetes (OR, 2.37; 95% CI, 1.04-5.46; P = .039) conferred higher seropositivity rates. Biological therapies associated with lower seroprevalence (OR, 0.22; 95% CI, 0.15-0.33; P < .0001). Multiple linear regression showed associations between anti-spike and anti-nucleocapsid titers with medications (P < .0001) but not with country (P = .3841).

CONCLUSIONS

While the effects of medications on anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody titers in patients with IBD were consistent across sites, geographical location conferred the highest risk of susceptibility to serologically detectable SARS-CoV-2 infection. Over half of IBD patients in India were seropositive prior to vaccination. These insights can help to inform shielding advice, therapeutic choices, and vaccine strategies in IBD patients for COVID-19 and future viral challenges.

Efficacy and safety of upadacitinib maintenance therapy for moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis in patients responding to 8 week induction therapy (U-ACHIEVE Maintenance): overall results from the randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind, phase 3 maintenance study

BACKGROUND

Upadacitinib is an oral, selective, and reversible JAK inhibitor with demonstrated efficacy in patients with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis in a phase 2b induction trial, two phase 3 induction trials (U-ACHIEVE Induction and U-ACCOMPLISH), and a primary analysis of the first 451 patients entering a subsequent maintenance trial (U-ACHIEVE Maintenance). Here, we present overall results from the entire U-ACHIEVE Maintenance population.

METHODS

In this randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind, phase 3 maintenance study done across Europe, North and South America, Australasia, Africa, and the Asia-Pacific region at 251 clinical centres in 44 countries, patients aged 16-75 years with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis (adapted Mayo score 5-9, centrally assessed endoscopic subscore of 2 or 3) for 90 days or more were randomly assigned (2:1) to double-blind upadacitinib 45 mg once daily or placebo induction therapy in the phase 2b induction trial or two phase 3 induction trials. Patients with a clinical response per adapted Mayo score after 8 weeks were randomly reassigned (1:1:1) using web-based interactive response technology to 52 week double-blind maintenance therapy with placebo, upadacitinib 15 mg, or upadacitinib 30 mg once daily. Efficacy was analysed at week 52 in the intention-to-treat population, which included all patients randomly reassigned who received at least one dose of study drug. The primary endpoint was clinical remission per adapted Mayo score. Safety through week 52 was assessed with exposure-adjusted event rates (EAERs; events per 100 patient-years) in upadacitinib 45 mg once daily 8-week induction responders who were enrolled per protocol for 44-week or 52-week maintenance therapy (ie, the intention-to-treat population plus patients who received up to 44 weeks' maintenance therapy under earlier protocol amendments) and received at least one dose of study drug. The study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02819635 and is complete.

FINDINGS

Between Sept 3, 2016, and Jan 14, 2021 987 patients received the upadacitinib 45 mg once daily induction therapy in the phase 2b trial, U-ACHIEVE Induction, or U-ACCOMPLISH. 681 patients with a clinical response to the induction therapy (319 from U-ACHIEVE Induction, 341 from U-ACCOMPLISH, and 21 from the phase 2b induction trial) received placebo (n=223), upadacitinib 15 mg once daily (n=225), or upadacitinib 30 mg once daily (n=233) in U-ACHIEVE Maintenance and were included in this analysis. A greater proportion of patients achieved the primary endpoint with upadacitinib 15 mg (40·4%) and 30 mg once daily (53·6%) versus placebo (10·8%; both p<0·0001 vs placebo). For safety, 746 patients were analysed, representing 552·9 patient-years of exposure; the most common grade 3-4 treatment-emergent adverse events were worsening of ulcerative colitis in nine (4%) patients with placebo, and COVID-19 pneumonia and cryptococcal pneumonia in two (1%) patients each with upadacitinib 30 mg once daily. Higher EAERs of the following treatment-emergent events of special interest were observed with upadacitinib versus placebo: herpes zoster (6·0 events per 100 patient-years with upadacitinib 15 mg once daily and 7·3 events per 100 patient-years with upadacitinib 30 mg once daily vs none per 100 patient-years with placebo [12 and 16 vs no events, respectively), hepatic disorders (17·0 and 9·2 vs 5·9 events per 100 patient-years [34 and 20 vs eight events, respectively), creatine phosphokinase elevation (8·0 and 10·1 vs 3·7 events per 100 patient-years [16 and 22 vs five events], respectively), and neutropenia (5·5 and 8·7 vs 5·2 events per 100 patient-years [11 and 19 vs seven events], respectively). One (<1% of patients) adjudicated major adverse cardiovascular event occurred with placebo and one (<1% of patients) with upadacitinib 30 mg once daily (EAERs 0·7 and 0·5 events per 100 patient-years, respectively). Two (1% of patients) venous thromboembolic events occurred with upadacitinib 15 mg once daily and two (1% of patients) with upadacitinib 30 mg once daily (EAERs 1·0 and 0·9 events per 100 patient-years, respectively). All adjudicated major adverse cardiovascular events and venous thromboembolic events with upadacitinib occurred in patients with relevant known risk factors.

INTERPRETATION

Consistent with the primary analysis done among a smaller population, both maintenance doses of upadacitinib showed a positive benefit-risk profile in patients with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis. Upadacitinib represents an effective treatment option for this population, for whom a large unmet need persists.

FUNDING

AbbVie.

Standardizing Scoring Conventions for Crohn's Disease Endoscopy: An International RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Endoscopic assessment of disease activity is integral for evaluating treatment response in patients with Crohn's disease (CD). We aimed to define appropriate items for evaluating endoscopic activity and conventions for consistent endoscopic scoring rules in CD.

METHODS

A 2-round modified RAND/University of California at Los Angeles Appropriateness Method study was conducted. A panel of 15 gastroenterologists used a 9-point Likert scale to rate the appropriateness of statements pertaining to the Simple Endoscopic Score for CD, Crohn's Disease Endoscopic Index of Severity, and additional items relevant to endoscopy scoring in CD. Each statement was voted as appropriate, uncertain, or inappropriate based on the median panel rating and presence of disagreement.

RESULTS

Panelists voted that it is appropriate for all ulcers to contribute to endoscopic scoring in CD, including aphthous ulcers, ulcerations at a surgical anastomosis, and anal canal ulcers (scored in the rectum). Endoscopic healing should reflect an absence of ulcers. Narrowing should be defined as a clear decrease in luminal diameter; stenosis should be defined by an impassable narrowing, and if occurring at the junction of 2 segments, scored in the distal segment. Scarring and inflammatory polyps were considered inappropriate for including in the affected area score. The optimal method for defining ulcer depth remains uncertain.

CONCLUSIONS

We outlined scoring conventions for the Simple Endoscopic Score for CD and Crohn's Disease Endoscopic Index of Severity, noting that both scores have limitations. Therefore, we identified priorities for future research and steps for developing and validating a more representative endoscopic index in CD.

Antigen-driven colonic inflammation is associated with development of dysplasia in primary sclerosing cholangitis

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is an immune-mediated disease of the bile ducts that co-occurs with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in almost 90% of cases. Colorectal cancer is a major complication of patients with PSC and IBD, and these patients are at a much greater risk compared to patients with IBD without concomitant PSC. Combining flow cytometry, bulk and single-cell transcriptomics, and T and B cell receptor repertoire analysis of right colon tissue from 65 patients with PSC, 108 patients with IBD and 48 healthy individuals we identified a unique adaptive inflammatory transcriptional signature associated with greater risk and shorter time to dysplasia in patients with PSC. This inflammatory signature is characterized by antigen-driven interleukin-17A (IL-17A)+ forkhead box P3 (FOXP3)+ CD4 T cells that express a pathogenic IL-17 signature, as well as an expansion of IgG-secreting plasma cells. These results suggest that the mechanisms that drive the emergence of dysplasia in PSC and IBD are distinct and provide molecular insights that could guide prevention of colorectal cancer in individuals with PSC.

Distinct blood protein profiles associated with the risk of short-term and mid/long-term clinical relapse in patients with Crohn's disease stopping infliximab: when the remission state hides different types of residual disease activity

OBJECTIVE

Despite being in sustained and stable remission, patients with Crohn's disease (CD) stopping anti-tumour necrosis factor α (TNFα) show a high rate of relapse (~50% within 2 years). Characterising non-invasively the biological profiles of those patients is needed to better guide the decision of anti-TNFα withdrawal.

DESIGN

Ninety-two immune-related proteins were measured by proximity extension assay in serum of patients with CD (n=102) in sustained steroid-free remission and stopping anti-TNFα (infliximab). As previously shown, a stratification based on time to clinical relapse was used to characterise the distinct biological profiles of relapsers (short-term relapsers: <6 months vs mid/long-term relapsers: >6 months). Associations between protein levels and time to clinical relapse were determined by univariable Cox model.

RESULTS

The risk (HR) of mid/long-term clinical relapse was specifically associated with a high serum level of proteins mainly expressed in lymphocytes (LAG3, SH2B3, SIT1; HR: 2.2-4.5; p<0.05), a low serum level of anti-inflammatory effectors (IL-10, HSD11B1; HR: 0.2-0.3; p<0.05) and cellular junction proteins (CDSN, CNTNAP2, CXADR, ITGA11; HR: 0.4; p<0.05). The risk of short-term clinical relapse was specifically associated with a high serum level of pro-inflammatory effectors (IL-6, IL12RB1; HR: 3.5-3.6; p<0.05) and a low or high serum level of proteins mainly expressed in antigen presenting cells (CLEC4A, CLEC4C, CLEC7A, LAMP3; HR: 0.4-4.1; p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

We identified distinct blood protein profiles associated with the risk of short-term and mid/long-term clinical relapse in patients with CD stopping infliximab. These findings constitute an advance for the development of non-invasive biomarkers guiding the decision of anti-TNFα withdrawal.

Complete Endoscopic Healing Is Associated With Lower Relapse Risk After Anti-TNF Withdrawal in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Discontinuation of anti-tumor necrosis factor-α treatment (anti-TNF) (infliximab and adalimumab) in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is associated with a high relapse risk that may be influenced by endoscopic activity at the time of stopping. We assessed the relapse rate after anti-TNF withdrawal in patients with endoscopic healing and studied predictors of relapse including the depth of endoscopic healing.

METHODS

This was a multicenter, prospective study in adult patients with Crohn's disease (CD), ulcerative colitis (UC), or IBD-unclassified (IBDU), with ≥6 months of corticosteroid-free clinical remission (confirmed at baseline) and endoscopic healing (Mayo <2/SES-CD <5 without large ulcers), who discontinued anti-TNF between 2018 and 2020 in the Netherlands. We performed Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses to assess the relapse rate and evaluate potential predictors: partial (Mayo 1/SES-CD 3-4) versus complete (Mayo 0/SES-CD 0-2) endoscopic healing, anti-TNF trough levels, and immunomodulator and/or mesalamine use.

RESULTS

Among 81 patients (CD: n = 41, 51%) with a median follow-up of 2.0 years (interquartile range, 1.6-2.1), 40 patients (49%) relapsed. Relapse rates in CD and UC/IBDU patients were comparable. At 12 months, 70% versus 35% of patients with partial versus complete endoscopic healing relapsed, respectively (adjusted hazard rate [aHR], 3.28; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.43-7.50). Mesalamine use was associated with fewer relapses in UC/IBDU patients (aHR, 0.08; 95% CI, 0.01-0.67). Thirty patients restarted anti-TNF, and clinical remission was regained in 73% at 3 months.

CONCLUSIONS

The relapse risk was high after anti-TNF withdrawal in IBD patients with endoscopic healing, but remission was regained in most cases after anti-TNF reintroduction. Complete endoscopic healing and mesalamine treatment in UC/IBDU patients decreased the risk of relapse.

Long-Term Outcomes of the Excluded Rectum in Crohn's Disease: A Multicenter International Study

BACKGROUND

Many patients with Crohn's disease (CD) require fecal diversion. To understand the long-term outcomes, we performed a multicenter review of the experience with retained excluded rectums.

METHODS

We reviewed the medical records of all CD patients between 1990 and 2014 who had undergone diversionary surgery with retention of the excluded rectum for at least 6 months and who had at least 2 years of postoperative follow-up.

RESULTS

From all the CD patients in the institutions' databases, there were 197 who met all our inclusion criteria. A total of 92 (46.7%) of 197 patients ultimately underwent subsequent proctectomy, while 105 (53.3%) still had retained rectums at time of last follow-up. Among these 105 patients with retained rectums, 50 (47.6%) underwent reanastomosis, while the other 55 (52.4%) retained excluded rectums. Of these 55 patients whose rectums remained excluded, 20 (36.4%) were symptom-free, but the other 35 (63.6%) were symptomatic. Among the 50 patients who had been reconnected, 28 (56%) were symptom-free, while 22(44%) were symptomatic. From our entire cohort of 197 cases, 149 (75.6%) either ultimately lost their rectums or remained symptomatic with retained rectums, while only 28 (14.2%) of 197, and only 4 (5.9%) of 66 with initial perianal disease, were able to achieve reanastomosis without further problems. Four patients developed anorectal dysplasia or cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

In this multicenter cohort of patients with CD who had fecal diversion, fewer than 15%, and only 6% with perianal disease, achieved reanastomosis without experiencing disease persistence.

Intestinal Barrier Healing Is Superior to Endoscopic and Histologic Remission for Predicting Major Adverse Outcomes in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: The Prospective ERIca Trial

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Endoscopic and histologic remission have emerged as key therapeutic goals in the management of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) that are associated with favorable long-term disease outcomes. Here, we prospectively compared the predictive value of barrier healing with endoscopic and histologic remission for predicting long-term disease behavior in a large cohort of patients with IBD in clinical remission.

METHODS

At baseline, patients with IBD in clinical remission underwent ileocolonoscopy with assessment of intestinal barrier function by confocal endomicroscopy. Endoscopic and histologic disease activity, as well as barrier healing, was prospectively assessed along established scores. During subsequent follow-up, patients were closely monitored for clinical disease activity and the occurrence of major adverse outcomes (MAOs): disease flares, IBD-related hospitalization or surgery, and initiation or dose escalation of systemic steroids, immunosuppressants, small molecules, or biological therapy.

RESULTS

The final analysis included 181 patients, 100 with Crohn's disease [CD] and 81 with ulcerative colitis (UC). During a mean follow-up of 35 (CD) and 25 (UC) months, 73% of patients with CD and 69% of patients with UC experienced at least 1 MAO. The probability of MAO-free survival was significantly higher in patients with IBD with endoscopic remission compared with endoscopically active disease. In addition, histologic remission predicted MAO-free survival in patients with UC but not CD. Barrier healing on endomicroscopy was superior to endoscopic and histologic remission for predicting MAO-free survival in both UC and CD.

CONCLUSIONS

Barrier healing is associated with decreased risk of disease progression in patients with clinically remittent IBD, with superior predictive performance compared with endoscopic and histologic remission. Analysis of barrier function might be considered as a future treatment target in clinical trials.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov number, NCT05157750.

A critical review of upadacitinib for the treatment of adults with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis

INTRODUCTION

Upadacitinib is a selective janus kinase 1 inhibitor. In March 2022, upadacitinib was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the management of moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis (UC) in those who have had an inadequate response or intolerance of tumor necrosis factor inhibitors. It is also approved for the treatment of psoriatic arthritis, atopic dermatitis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis.

AREAS COVERED

The aim of this article is to review the mechanism of action of upadacitinib, clinical data regarding its efficacy in treating UC, and safety information.

EXPERT OPINION

Upadacitinib is superior to placebo in inducing and maintaining both clinical and endoscopic remission in moderately to severely active UC. Its strengths include once daily oral route of administration, low risk of immunogenicity, rapid onset, and efficacy in patients with previous failure of biologic therapy. The use of upadacitinib has been limited due to safety concerns surrounding JAK inhibitors. Phase 3 clinical trials recorded more cases of herpes zoster infection and venous thromboembolism in patients with UC treated with upadacitinib compared to placebo. Ongoing long-term safety studies will provide much needed clarity. Further research is also required to define the positioning of upadacitinib in treatment algorithms.

Risk Factors for Developing Inflammatory Bowel Disease Within and Across Families with a Family History of IBD

INTRODUCTION

A family history of inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] is the strongest risk factor for disease. However, some first-degree relatives (FDRs) will develop disease, while others will not.

METHODS

Using the nationwide Danish National Patient Register, we examined risk factors in families with two or more affected FDRs. First, we compared exposures between siblings with and without IBD within the same family [within-family analysis]. Second, we compared exposures between individuals with and without IBD across all families [across-family analysis]. Exposures included sex, birth order, mode of delivery, antibiotics, personal and family history of immune-mediated diseases, gastrointestinal infections, and surgical history preceding diagnosis. Uni- and multivariable conditional logistic regression analyses were conducted.

RESULTS

In the 'within-family analysis', 1669 families were included [1732 cases, 2447 controls]. Female sex (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.40, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.23, 1.59), history of ankylosing spondylitis [aOR: 2.88, 95% CI 1.05, 7.91] and exposure to antibiotics [aOR: 1.28, 95% CI 1.02, 1.61] increased the risk for IBD. In the 'across-family analysis', 1254 cases and 37 584 controls were included, confirming an association with prior ankylosing spondylitis [aOR: 3.92, 95% CI 1.38, 11.12] and exposure to antibiotics [aOR: 1.29, 95% CI 1.04, 1.60]. Having two or more relatives [aOR: 6.26, 95% CI 1.34, 29.29] or a sibling with IBD [aOR: 1.36, 95% CI 1.18, 1.57] increased the risk of IBD. Appendectomy reduced the risk of ulcerative colitis [aOR: 0.32, 95% CI 0.14, 0.72].

CONCLUSION

In families with IBD, we identified risk factors for the unaffected FDR to develop disease. These findings provide an opportunity for counselling IBD relatives.

Is Prevention the Best Way to Modify Inflammatory Bowel Disease? How Close Are We?

Despite improved therapeutic strategies and expanding therapeutic targets, inflammatory bowel disease remains a disabling disease with potential to progress and lead to irreversible complications. Increased evidence supports the concept of a preclinical phase in inflammatory bowel disease, preceding clinical diagnosis, during which immune and inflammatory pathways are already altered. As knowledge about this prediagnosis period expands, it unlocks the possibility of disease prediction and ambition for disease prevention and interception. Targeting the early pathogenic events that promote the development of inflammatory bowel disease could prevent or attenuate disease onset and offer a true opportunity for disease modification.

Association of Adherent-invasive Escherichia coli with severe Gut Mucosal dysbiosis in Hong Kong Chinese population with Crohn's disease

Adherent invasive Escherichia Coli (AIEC) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of Crohn's disease (CD) in Western populations. Whether the presence of AIEC is also seen in CD populations of different genetic susceptibility and has negative impact on host microbiota ecology and therapeutics are unclear. AIEC presence was assessed in ileal tissues of 60 Hong Kong Chinese patients with CD and 56 healthy subjects. Mucosa microbiota was analyzed by 16s rRNA sequencing. Impact of AIEC on the gut microbiota was determined in a mouse model. AIEC was significantly more prevalent in ileal tissues of patients with CD than controls (30% vs 7.1%). Presence of AIEC in ileal tissues was associated with more severe mucosa microbiota dysbiosis in CD with decreased diversity and lower abundance of Firmicutes including butyrate producing Roseburia and probiotic Bacillus. A random forest model predicted the presence of AIEC with area under the curve of 0.89. AIEC exacerbated dysbiosis in dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis mice and led to resistance to restoration of normal gut microbiota by fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT). Proportion of donor-derived bacteria in AIEC-colonized mice was significantly lower than that in uninfected mice. AIEC was prevalent and associated with severe mucosa microbiota dysbiosis in CD in Hong Kong Chinese population. The presence of AIEC impeded restoration of normal gut microbiota. AIEC may serve as a keystone bacterium in CD and impact the efficacy of FMT.

OP18 Efficacy and safety of filgotinib for the treatment of perianal fistulizing Crohn’s Disease: Results from the phase 2 DIVERGENCE 2 study

Background

Treatment of perianal fistulizing Crohn’s disease (PFCD) is a major unmet need. Filgotinib (FIL) is a once-daily, oral, preferential Janus kinase 1 inhibitor in development for the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases. The efficacy and safety of FIL for the treatment of PFCD was evaluated in the phase 2, double-blind, randomized, placebo (PBO)-controlled DIVERGENCE 2 study (NCT03077412).

Methods

Patients (18–75 years old) with PFCD (documented diagnosis of CD for at least 3 months and 1–3 external openings [EOs] with drainage [spontaneous or on compression] for ≥ 4 weeks before screening) previously treated with antibiotics, immunomodulators and/or tumour necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi) were randomized (2:2:1) to receive FIL 200 mg, FIL 100 mg or PBO once daily for up to 24 weeks. Active luminal CD was permitted providing that the Crohn’s Disease Activity Index score was ≤ 300 at screening. The primary endpoint was combined fistula response (reduction of ≥ 1 from baseline in the number of draining EOs determined by investigator assessment and no fluid collections > 1 cm on centrally read pelvic magnetic resonance imaging [MRI]) at Week 24. Combined fistula remission (closure of all draining EOs present at baseline and no fluid collections > 1 cm) at Week 24 was a key secondary endpoint. The study was not powered for statistical comparisons and was prematurely terminated owing to low recruitment rates during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Results

Baseline characteristics were broadly similar across the treatment groups (Table 1). Overall, 91.2% of patients had complex perianal fistulae and TNFi treatment had previously failed in 64.9% of patients. A lower proportion of patients randomized to receive FIL 200 mg discontinued the study compared with those who received PBO (Table 2). The proportion of patients who achieved a combined fistula response at Week 24 was numerically higher in the FIL 200 mg group (47.1%; 90% confidence interval [CI]: 26.0–68.9) than in the PBO group (25.0%; 90% CI: 7.2–52.7) (Figure 1), with similar results observed for combined fistula remission (FIL 200 mg [47.1%; CI: 26.0–68.9] versus PBO [16.7%; CI: 3.0–43.8]) (Figure 2). Treatment-emergent severe adverse events were highest in the FIL 200 mg group (Table 2). Adverse event rates were otherwise similar across treatment groups.

Conclusion

In this phase 2 study, numerically higher fistula response and remission rates were observed after 24 weeks of treatment with FIL 200 mg versus PBO in patients with active PFCD and a history of multiple medical treatment failures. FIL was well tolerated overall. Further studies of FIL for the treatment of PFCD are warranted.

Colectomy Incidence Rates in Five-Year Data From the Observational Postmarketing Ulcerative Colitis Study of Originator Infliximab

BACKGROUND

This analysis of the Observational Postmarketing Ulcerative Colitis Study examined incidence rates of colectomy in patients with ulcerative colitis who received originator infliximab (IFX) or conventional therapies (ConvRx) as per their treating physician.

METHODS

Cox proportional hazards models compared time to colectomy for both treatment groups. A secondary analysis examined colectomy incidence rates based on IFX exposure timing (defined by a 90-day window after the last IFX dose date).

RESULTS

Of 2239 patients with data, 1059 enrolled in IFX and 1180 enrolled in ConvRx (including 296 patients who switched to IFX). Patients in the IFX group had more severe disease at baseline vs the ConvRx group (percentage with baseline partial Mayo score 7-9: 46.0% vs 30.5%, respectively). During 5 years of follow-up, 271 patients (12.1% of enrolled patients) had colectomy. Enrollment in the IFX group was associated with a higher risk of colectomy (hazard ratio = 3.12; 95% confidence interval, 2.25-4.34; P < 0.001) compared with enrollment in the ConvRx group. A total of 174 colectomies occurred in the IFX group, but 97 of these colectomies occurred ≥90 days after the last IFX dose date.

CONCLUSIONS

Colectomy was reported at a higher rate in the IFX group than in the ConvRx group, although patients in the IFX group had more severe disease at baseline and most of the colectomies occurred after patients had been off of IFX for ≥90 days.