Efficacy and Safety of Subcutaneous Vedolizumab in Patients With Moderately to Severely Active Crohn's Disease: Results From the VISIBLE 2 Randomised Trial

Real-World Outcomes of Patients Starting Intravenous and Transitioning to Subcutaneous Vedolizumab in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

BACKGROUND

Real-world data on starting intravenous (IV) vedolizumab (VDZ) and transitioning to subcutaneous (SC) treatment in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are scarce.

AIMS

To assess treatment outcomes of patients with IBD starting IV VDZ and switching to SC VDZ in routine clinical care.

METHODS

Adult patients with IBD switching from IV to SC VDZ treatment between 1 March 2020 and 31 December 2021 were identified from the Swedish IBD quality register. The primary outcome was SC VDZ persistence. Secondary outcomes included clinical remission, changes in quality of life (QoL) according to EuroQual 5-Dimensions 5-Levels (EQ-5D-5L) and the Short-Health Scale (SHS) and inflammatory markers, including faecal Calprotectin (FCP).

RESULTS

Altogether, 406 patients with IBD (Crohn's disease, n = 181; ulcerative colitis, n = 225) were identified. After a median follow-up of 30 months from starting IV VDZ treatment, the persistence rates were 98%(178/181) in Crohn's disease and 94% (211/225) in ulcerative colitis. Most patients (84%) transitioned during maintenance therapy, and the median follow-up from switch to SC VDZ was 10 months. Compared to baseline, statistically significant improvements were observed in all domains of the SHS, EQ-5D index value and visual analogue scale. Median (interquartile range) FCP concentrations (μg/g) decreased from 459 (185-1001) to 65 (26-227) in Crohn's disease (n = 45; p < 0.001) and from 646 (152-1450) to 49 (20-275) in ulcerative colitis (n = 58; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Initiating IV VDZ and switching to SC treatment was associated with high persistence rates and improvements in measures of QoL and FCP. These findings are reassuring for patients who start IV VDZ and switch to SC VDZ.

Comparative Efficacy of Advanced Therapies for Achieving Endoscopic Outcomes in Crohn's Disease: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND & AIMS

We conducted a network meta-analysis to compare the efficacy of advanced therapies for achieving endoscopic outcomes in patients with moderate-to-severely active Crohn's disease.

METHODS

MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane CENTRAL databases were searched from inception to August 2, 2023 to identify phase II and III randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in adults (≥18 years) with moderate-to-severe Crohn's disease treated with tumor necrosis factor (TNF) antagonists, etrolizumab, vedolizumab, anti-interleukin (IL)12/23p40, anti-IL23p19, or Janus kinase-1 (JAK1) inhibitors, compared with placebo/active comparator, for induction and/or maintenance of remission and reported endoscopic outcomes. Primary outcome was endoscopic response after induction therapy, and endoscopic remission after maintenance therapy. We performed a random-effects network meta-analysis using a frequentist approach, and estimated relative risk (RRs), 95% confidence interval (CI) values, and P score for ranking agents. We used GRADE to ascertain certainty of evidence.

RESULTS

A total of 20 RCTs (19 placebo-controlled and 1 head-to-head trial; 5592 patients) were included out of which 12 RCTs reported endoscopic outcomes for the induction phase, 5 reported for the maintenance phase, and 3 reported for both induction and maintenance phases. JAK1 inhibitors (RR, 3·49 [95% CI, 1·48-8·26]) and anti-IL23p19 (RR, 2·30 [95% CI, 1·02-5·18]) agents were more efficacious than etrolizumab (moderate certainty of evidence), and JAK1 inhibitors (RR, 2·34 [95% CI, 1·14-4·80]) were more efficacious than anti-IL12/23p40 agents for inducing endoscopic response (moderate certainty of evidence). JAK1 inhibitors and anti-IL23p19 ranked highest for induction of endoscopic response. There was paucity of RCTs of TNF antagonists reporting endoscopic outcomes with induction therapy. On network meta-analysis of 6 RCTs, all agents except vedolizumab (RR, 1.89 [95% CI, 0.61-5.92]) were effective in maintaining endoscopic remission compared with placebo. TNF antagonists, IL12/23p40, and JAK1 inhibitors were ranked highest.

CONCLUSIONS

On network meta-analysis, JAK1 inhibitors and anti-IL23p19 agents may be the most effective among non-TNF-targeting advanced therapies for inducing endoscopic response. Future head-to-head trials will further inform positioning of different therapies for the management of Crohn's disease.

MiR-146a alleviates inflammatory bowel disease in mice through systematic regulation of multiple genetic networks

Introduction

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic disease involving multiple genes, and the current available targeted drugs for IBD only deliver moderate efficacy. Whether there is a single gene that systematically regulates IBD is not yet known. MiR-146a plays a pivotal role in repression of innate immunity, but its function in the intestinal inflammation is sort of controversy, and the genetic regulatory networks regulated by miR-146a in IBD has not been revealed.

Methods

RT-qPCR was employed to detect the expression of miR-146a in IBD patients and in a mouse IBD model induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS), and then we generated a miR-146a knock-out mouse line with C57/Bl6N background. The disease activity index was scored in DSS-treated miR-146a deficiency mice and their wild type (WT) littermates. Bulk RNA-sequencing, RT-qPCR and immunostaining were done to illustrate the downstream genetic regulatory networks of miR-146a in flamed colon. Finally, the modified miR-146a mimics were used to treat DSS-induced IBD in miR-146a knock-out and WT IBD mice.

Results

We showed that the expression of miR-146a in the colon was elevated in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced IBD mice and patients with IBD. DSS induced dramatic body weight loss and more significant rectal bleeding, shorter colon length, and colitis in miR-146a knock-out mice than WT mice. The miR-146a mimics alleviated DSS-induced symptoms in both miR-146a-/- and WT mice. Further RNA sequencing illustrated that the deficiency of miR-146a de-repressed majority of DSS-induced IBD-related genes that cover multiple genetic regulatory networks in IBD, and supplementation with miR-146a mimics inhibited the expression of many IBD-related genes. Quantitative RT-PCR or immunostaining confirmed that Ccl3, Saa3, Csf3, Lcn2, Serpine1, Serpine2, MMP3, MMP8, MMP10, IL1A, IL1B, IL6, CXCL2, CXCL3, S100A8, S100A9, TRAF6, P65, p-P65, and IRAK1 were regulated by miR-146a in DSS induced IBD. Among them, MMP3, MMP10, IL6, IL1B, S100A8, S100A9, SERPINE1, CSF3, and IL1A were involved in the active stage of IBD in humans.

Discussion

Our date demonstrated that miR-146a acts as a top regulator in C57/BL6N mice to systematically repress multiple genetic regulatory networks involved in immune response of intestine to environment factors, and combinatory treatment with miR-146a-5p and miR-146a-3p mimics attenuates DSS-induced IBD in mice through down-regulating multiple genetic regulatory networks which were increased in colon tissue from IBD patients. Our findings suggests that miR-146a is a top inhibitor of IBD, and that miR-146a-5p and miR-146a-3p mimics might be potential drug for IBD.

Take vedolizumab home: transition from intravenous to subcutaneous treatment

In 2020, the European Medicines Agency approved subcutaneous (SC) vedolizumab (VDZ) for the maintenance treatment of adult patients with moderate to severe inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This article reviews the efficacy, safety, persistence, pharmacology, patient satisfaction, and economic implications of transitioning to SC VDZ treatment and explores whether SC formulations can be recommended by the same guidelines as intravenous (IV) formulations. Clinical trials and real-world evidence indicate that transitioning from IV to SC VDZ in patients with IBD maintains clinical, biochemical, and patient-reported clinical remission and is well-tolerated, with no new safety issues identified, except for injection site reactions. Moreover, SC VDZ has an exposure-response relationship and low immunogenicity, is economical, and provides a high level of patient satisfaction. Owing to these advantages, transitioning may be advisable. In the future, more studies are needed to clarify the exact role of SC VDZ in IBD treatment, including optimization and transitioning strategies and individualized treatments based on baseline characteristics.

Evaluation of the transition from intravenous to subcutaneous vedolizumab in patients with inflammatory bowel disease

AIMS

The aim of the study is to evaluate the clinical and biochemical response of inflammatory bowel disease patients treated with vedolizumab, 16 weeks after transitioning from intravenous (iv) to subcutaneous (sc).

METHODS

An observational, prospective, single-center cohort study was performed. Patients with inflammatory bowel disease and maintenance treatment with vedolizumab, stable for at least 4 months, were offered to switch to sc formulation. At the same time of treatment administration a blood test was performed, with vedolizumab levels and fecal calprotectin.

RESULTS

Forty-three patients were included, 12 of them (27.9%) chose to transition to sc formulation. All included patients remained in remission during follow-up. At week 16 no significant differences were found in terms of calprotectin levels in patients on iv treatment (mean 146.6±SD 45.9) vs. sc (159.26±53.9) (p=0.9). Vedolizumab serum levels at week 16 were higher in the sc group (22,364.3±5141.6) vs. iv (11,425.9±1514.2) (p=0.009). At week 16, 9 (75%) of the patients in the sc group were highly satisfied with the medication and 11 (91.7%) considered it easy to administer. Four patients (12.9%) in the iv group and 2 (16.6%) in the sc group presented mild adverse effects. The 2 cases (100%) of the sc group the adverse event was local inflammation at the injection site.

CONCLUSION

In our experience, vedolizumab sc is a convenient alternative to iv administration. Vedolizumab serum levels in patients who transitioned to sc were higher than iv formulation.

Perception of the impact of intravenous biological treatment on the work and professional environment in patients with inflammatory bowel disease

INTRODUCTION

In the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), we have biologic therapies administered intravenously and subcutaneously. Recently, some drugs can be administered by either of these routes. The real impact that intravenous administration has on the perception of the disease and the personal and work life of the patient is unknown.

METHODS

All IBD patients receiving intravenous infliximab treatment for at least 6 months were anonymously invited to participate. They were provided with a specific structured questionnaire with visual analogue scales (0-10) at two reference centers in the Barcelona area.

RESULTS

A total of 90 patients with a median age of 45 years (36-56) and a median infliximab treatment duration of 48 months (24-84) were included. The visit and therapy with infliximab in the day hospital were globally well evaluated (9, IQR 7-10). 78% of patients combined day hospital stays with other activities (26% employment). The personal impact was generally low (4, IQR 0-5.8), but the patient's job was threatened in 43% of patients on intensified treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

The intravenous administration of biologic drugs on an outpatient basis is highly satisfactory among IBD patients. The impact on the work sphere appears to be more pronounced than on the personal sphere, an aspect that should be considered in shared decision-making with the patient.

Comparative Efficacy of Subcutaneous and Intravenous Infliximab and Vedolizumab for Maintenance Treatment of TNF-naive Adult Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Systematic Literature Review and Network Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Infliximab and vedolizumab are widely used to treat Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC).

AIMS

This systematic review and network meta-analysis evaluated comparative efficacy of various regimens for intravenous or subcutaneous infliximab and vedolizumab during maintenance treatment in CD and UC.

METHODS

Parallel-group randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were identified by a systematic literature review (CRD42022383401) and included if they evaluated therapeutics of interest for maintenance treatment of adults with moderate-to-severe luminal CD or UC and assessed clinical remission between Weeks 30 and 60. Clinical remission rates in CD or UC and mucosal healing rates in UC were analyzed in a Bayesian network meta-analysis model. Endoscopic outcomes in CD were synthesized by proportional meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Overall, 13 RCTs were included in the analyses. All vedolizumab studies randomized induction responders to maintenance treatment; infliximab studies used a treat-through design. Subcutaneous infliximab 120 mg every 2 weeks had the highest odds ratio (OR) [95% credible interval] versus placebo for clinical remission during the maintenance phase (CD: 5.90 [1.90-18.2]; UC: 5.45 [1.94-15.3]), with surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) values of 0.91 and 0.82, respectively. For mucosal healing in UC, subcutaneous infliximab 120 mg every 2 weeks showed the highest OR (4.90 [1.63-14.1]), with SUCRA value of 0.73, followed by intravenous vedolizumab 300 mg every 4 weeks (SUCRA value, 0.70). Endoscopic outcomes in CD were better with subcutaneous infliximab 120 mg every 2 weeks than intravenous infliximab 5 mg/kg every 8 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

Subcutaneous infliximab showed a favorable efficacy profile for achieving clinical remission and endoscopic outcomes during maintenance treatment in CD or UC.

Endoscopic and Histological Placebo Rates in Crohn's Disease Clinical Trials: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Precise estimates of placebo response rates help efficient clinical trial design. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we assessed contemporary placebo endoscopic and histological response rates in Crohn's disease (CD) clinical trials.

METHODS

MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane CENTRAL were searched from inception to April 2022 to identify placebo-controlled studies of pharmacological interventions for CD. Endoscopic response, remission, and mucosal healing rates for participants assigned to placebo in induction and maintenance studies were pooled using a random-effects model. Point estimates and associated 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated.

RESULTS

In total, 16 studies (11 induction, 3 maintenance, 2 induction and maintenance) that randomized 1646 participants to placebo were eligible. For induction trials, the pooled placebo endoscopic response, endoscopic remission, and mucosal healing rates in participants assigned to placebo were 13% (95% CI, 10-16; I2 = 14.1%; P = .14), 6% (95% CI, 3-11; I2 = 74.7%; P < .001), and 6% (95% CI, 4-9; I2 = 26.9%; P = .29), respectively. The pooled endoscopic remission rate in patients who were bio-naïve was 10% (95% CI, 4-23) compared with only 4% (95% CI, 3-7) in bio-experienced patients. For maintenance trials, the pooled endoscopic response, remission, and mucosal healing rates were 7% (95% CI, 1-31; I2 = 78.2%; P = .004), 11% (95% CI, 4-27; I2 = 70.8%; P = .06), and 7% (95% CI, 3-15; I2 = 29.7; P = .23), respectively. Only 3 trials assessed histological outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic placebo rates vary according to trial phase and prior biologic exposure. These contemporary data will serve to inform CD trial design, sample size calculation, and end point selection for future trials.

Exposure-efficacy relationship of vedolizumab subcutaneous and intravenous formulations in Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

This posthoc analysis of the GEMINI and VISIBLE studies in ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's Disease (CD) assessed exposure-efficacy of vedolizumab intravenous (IV) and subcutaneous (SC).

METHODS

A previously described population pharmacokinetic model was used to predict average serum and trough concentrations at steady state (Cav,ss, Ctrough,ss) and simulate the transition from vedolizumab IV to SC. Efficacy was defined as clinical remission at week 52: complete Mayo score ≤ 2 points and no individual subscore > 1 point (UC), and CD activity index score ≤ 150 points (CD).

RESULTS

Data were from 1968 patients (GEMINI 1 [n = 334], VISIBLE 1 [n = 216], GEMINI 2 [n = 1009], VISIBLE 2 [n = 409]) who received maintenance treatment with vedolizumab IV-Q8W, IV-Q4W, SC-Q2W, or placebo. Model-predicted Cav,ss for IV-Q8W and SC-Q2W was similar in UC and CD. Cav,ss was higher for IV-Q4W than IV-Q8W and SC-Q2W. Ctrough,ss values from IV and SC aligned well with pooled observed Ctrough by treatment group in UC and CD. Cav,ss was equivalent for SC and IV. For UC and CD, efficacy rates were greater in patients in the highest quartiles of vedolizumab exposure for both formulations.

CONCLUSION

Exposure-efficacy relationships for IV and SC vedolizumab administration were comparable, confirming that both are equally effective during maintenance treatment.

Upadacitinib for the treatment of moderate-to-severe Crohn's disease

Despite an increasing number of therapies for Crohn's disease (CD), half of patients do not respond to initial treatment or lose response over time, highlighting the need for novel therapies. Inhibition of Janus kinases (JAKs) has emerged as an important therapeutic target for CD. Upadacitinib is an orally administered selective JAK1 inhibitor, which is effective for the induction and maintenance of remission in moderately-to-severely active CD, including in patients with prior failure of biological therapy. Nonselective JAK inhibition has been associated with thromboembolic disease, cardiovascular events and malignancy in patients older than 50 years with rheumatoid arthritis and pre-existing cardiovascular risk factors, which should be considered upon prescription. Upadacitinib is the first and currently only oral advanced therapy for CD.

Efficacy of vedolizumab during intravenous induction therapy in ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease: post hoc analysis of patient-reported outcomes from the VISIBLE 1 and 2 studies

BACKGROUND

Vedolizumab is an anti-α4β7 integrin antibody used to treat moderate to severe ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD). This post hoc analysis of patient-reported outcomes (PROs) from the VISIBLE 1 (NCT02611830) and 2 (NCT02611817) phase 3 studies evaluated onset of treatment effect on patient-reported symptoms during 6-week vedolizumab induction.

METHODS

Patient-reported stool frequency (SF) and rectal bleeding (RB) (UC Mayo score), and SF and abdominal pain (AP) in CD were collected via electronic diary from VISIBLE patients receiving one or more open-label intravenous (IV) vedolizumab induction doses (weeks 0 and 2). PRO data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

RESULTS

Data from 994 patients (UC 383, CD 611) showed mean ratings for all PROs declined consistently week-on-week from baseline through week 6, with early onset of improvement. By week 2, 22% of patients with UC reported RB improvement (≥1-point reduction in RB subscore, 7-day mean), rising to 45% by week 6. By week 6, 18% of patients with UC achieved SF improvement (SF subscore 0; 21% antitumor necrosis factor alpha [anti-TNFα] naive, 13% anti-TNFα experienced). SF improvement in patients with CD (reduction of ≥3 stools, 7-day mean) was achieved by 32% at week 6 (34% anti-TNFα naive, 30% anti-TNFα experienced). Fewer patients with CD reported severe/moderate AP at week 6 (5.1%/28.5%) than baseline (14.6%/61.5%). SF decline appeared greater and faster for anti-TNFα-naive vs. anti-TNFα-experienced patients (UC and CD).

CONCLUSION

Results indicate early onset of patient-reported UC and CD symptom improvement during vedolizumab IV induction in VISIBLE 1 and 2.

Clinical Pharmacology Approaches to Support Approval of New Routes of Administration for Therapeutic Proteins

Intravenous or subcutaneous routes of administration (ROAs) are common dosing routes for therapeutic proteins. Eleven therapeutic proteins with approval for one ROA have subsequently received approval for a second ROA. The clinical programs supporting the second ROA consistently leveraged data from the first ROA and included studies that characterized the pharmacokinetics (PKs) of the drug administered by the new ROA to identify an appropriate dosage regimen. The selected dosing regimen was then further evaluated in clinical trials designed with various primary end points. All programs implemented model-informed drug development approaches to ensure that the selected regimens would achieve comparable systemic exposures (PK-based bridging) or pharmacodynamic (PD) responses (PD-based bridging) as the reference ROA. To support the approval of a second ROA, these programs either demonstrated noninferiority in PK, PD, and/or clinical end points for the second ROA, or established efficacy and safety through a comparison to a placebo treatment. The accumulative examples showed that clinical trials which provided the primary evidence to support approvals of the second ROA generally demonstrated noninferiority in the systemic exposures regardless of being specified as an end point or not in the study protocols. The experience to date supports the use of PK- and PD-based bridging approaches not only in the selection of dosing regimens for a second ROA to be tested in clinical studies, but also for providing evidence of effectiveness to support approval, when appropriate.

Switching from intravenous to subcutaneous infliximab and vedolizumab in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: impact on trough levels, day hospital visits, and medical expenses

OBJECTIVE

Subcutaneous (SC) infliximab (IFX) and vedolizumab (VDZ) have recently become available. We aimed to examine the impact of switching from intravenous (IV) to SC IFX and VDZ in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) on costs, the day hospital burden, trough levels, and clinical outcomes.

METHODS

Our study comprised the cohort of IBD patients receiving IV IFX or VDZ at our hospital in 2022. We evaluated costs, day hospital visits, trough levels, biochemical markers, relapse rates, and self-report outcomes until Jun 30th 2023.

RESULTS

Of 114 patients, 18 continued IV therapy, 80 were switched to SC therapy, and 16 were inductions. Eighty-eight (90%) remained in steroid-free remission with no difference between the IV or SC groups. The mean IFX trough level changed from 8.2 ± 4.5 µg/ml to 14.5 ± 5.9 µg/ml, p < 0.001, and the VDZ trough level from 14.7 ± 7.1 mg/ml to 26.5 ± 13.8 mg/ml, p < 0.001. The average yearly costs of infusions and injections per patient were 2 580 € and 7 482 € for IFX and 15 990 € and 13 101 € for VDZ. The annual reduction of day hospital visits was 6,9 per patient.

CONCLUSIONS

IV and SC IFX and VDZ are equally effective in maintaining remission in IBD, but SC administration reduces day hospital visits and results in higher trough levels. SC VDZ is less and SC IFX more expensive than IV therapy. Further studies are needed to assess optimal dosing and separate trough levels for SC therapy.

Subcutaneous vedolizumab interval extension in inflammatory bowel disease patients: a case series

Subcutaneous vedolizumab has demonstrated efficacy as a maintenance therapy in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, data on the extension of subcutaneous vedolizumab injection intervals are lacking. Here, we present the first real-world data on subcutaneous vedolizumab interval extension in IBD patients. Nine patients (eight Crohn's disease patients and one ulcerative colitis patient) were included in the study. At interval extension (at baseline), all patients were in clinical and biochemical remission and requested an extension of their 2-weekly injection intervals due to side effects potentially related to subcutaneous vedolizumab. Patients increased their intervals to 3, 4, or 5 weeks. During a median follow-up of 10.0 months (IQR 6.5-19.5), no flare-ups were observed. After 6 months, median biochemical parameters remained stable compared to baseline levels (fecal calprotectin 24.0 µg/g [IQR 10.0-43.0] versus 28.0 µg/g [IQR 15.0-54.0], p = 0.553; C-reactive protein 3.4 mg/L [IQR 1.4-4.2] versus 3.1 mg/L [IQR 0.7-4.9], p = 0.172), while vedolizumab serum concentrations significantly decreased (22.0 µg/mL [IQR 20.0-33.0] versus 40.0 µg/mL [IQR 28.3-45.0], p = 0.018). After interval extension, almost all suspected vedolizumab-induced side effects disappeared within 6 months. Lengthening subcutaneous vedolizumab intervals in IBD patients in clinical and biochemical remission appears to be both effective and safe, potentially leading to substantial reductions in healthcare expenses.

Clinical use of biologics for Crohn's disease in adults: lessons learned from real-world studies

INTRODUCTION

The therapeutic armamentarium for managing Crohn's disease (CD) has expanded significantly in recent decades. Several biologics with three different mechanisms of action [anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, anti-integrin α4β7, and anti-IL 12/23] are currently available to manage CD.

AREA COVERED

This narrative review aims to summarize the most significant efficacy and safety data on the use of infliximab (IFX), adalimumab (ADA), vedolizumab (VDZ) and ustekinumab (UST) for the treatment of CD obtained from studies conducted in the real world (RW), compared to the results of randomized clinical trials (RCTs).

EXPERT OPINION

RW studies reported that biologic agents included in this analysis have higher remission rates and lower adverse event rates than findings from RCTs for treating patients with CD. All biological agents have proven effective and safe in RW studies, even when using biosimilars or switching to subcutaneous administration of the molecules for which they are available. Finally, anti-TNF-α agents, particularly IFX, have a higher rate of adverse events (AEs) than VDZ and UST. Therefore, patients at higher risk of AEs may benefit from other biologics than anti-TNF-α. However, further long-term RW studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Remission Is Maintained after Switch from Dose-Optimised Intravenous Treatment to Subcutaneous Treatment with Vedolizumab in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Background and Objectives: The subcutaneous (SC) formulation of vedolizumab has proven to be effective for the maintenance of remission after intravenous induction. Little is known about the efficacy of switching from intravenous maintenance treatment to SC. We aimed to assess the real-world efficacy of switching to SC treatment and to assess the impact of a baseline treatment regimen. Materials and Methods: In this observational cohort study, adult patients with inflammatory bowel disease who were switched to SC vedolizumab maintenance treatment were enrolled. Patients after intravenous induction and patients who switched from intravenous maintenance treatment (every 8 weeks or every 4 weeks) were included. The SC vedolizumab dosing was 108 mg every 2 weeks, regardless of the previous regimen. The clinical, biochemical, and endoscopic disease activity parameters and vedolizumab serum concentrations at the time of the switch and at the follow-up were assessed. Results: In total, 135 patients (38% Crohn's disease, 62% ulcerative colitis) were switched to SC vedolizumab treatment. The median time to the first follow-up (FU) was 14.5 weeks (IQR 12-26), and the median time to the second FU was 40 weeks (IQR 36-52). Nine patients (7%) discontinued SC vedolizumab treatment, with two-thirds of them discontinuing due to active disease. In all dosing regimens, there were no significant changes in the clinical scores and CRP at the baseline and first and second FUs. Clinical and biochemical remission appeared to be maintained irrespective of the previous dosing regimen. Conclusions: The results of this real-world study suggest that the maintenance of clinical and biomarker remission can be achieved in patients who switched from intravenous to SC vedolizumab. The baseline vedolizumab dosing regimen (every 4 weeks versus every 8 weeks) did not have an impact on outcomes.

Maintenance of clinical remission with biologics and small molecules in inflammatory bowel disease according to trial design: Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Design of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) examining maintenance of clinical remission in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) varies, with some trials re-randomising patients who have responded to active drug during induction to either active drug or placebo and others treating patients through with active drug or placebo from baseline. Whether this influences therapeutic gain of drug over placebo is unknown.

METHODS

We searched the literature to January 2023 for maintenance of remission trials of biologics or small molecules versus placebo in IBD. We extracted maintenance of remission rates according to trial design; either trials re-randomising patients or trials treating patients through. We pooled data in a meta-analysis for all patients, and according to type of IBD. We calculated the number needed to treat (NNT), with a 95% confidence interval (CI), to assess therapeutic gain of active drug over placebo according to trial design.

RESULTS

We identified 37 maintenance of remission trials (12,075 patients). Rates of maintenance of clinical remission were higher (41.9% with active drug, versus 20.3% with placebo), and NNT lowest (5; 95% CI 4-6), in trials re-randomising patients compared with those treating through (maintenance of remission rate 30.9% with active drug versus 14.6% with placebo, NNT = 7; 95% CI 5-9). Results were similar when trials were analysed according to IBD type but were more marked in ulcerative colitis RCTs (maintenance of remission rates in re-randomised trials 39.4% with active drug versus 17.8% with placebo, NNT = 5; 95% CI 3-7; treat-through trials 27.3% with active drug versus 11.9% with placebo, NNT = 7; 95% CI 5-11.5).

CONCLUSION

Trials re-randomising patients had generally higher maintenance of remission rates, lower NNTs, and greater therapeutic gains over placebo.

Switching from VEDOlizumab intravenous to subcutaneous formulation in ulcerative colitis patients in clinical remission: The SVEDO Study, an IG-IBD study

BACKGROUND

The administration of biological drugs in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) is increasingly moving from intravenous to subcutaneous formulations.

AIMS

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of vedolizumab subcutaneous administration after switching from intravenous administration in ulcerative colitis (UC) patients in corticosteroid-free clinical remission.

METHODS

An observational, multicentre, prospective study was conducted by the Italian Group for the study of IBD (IG-IBD). UC patients in clinical remission (pMAYO < 2) not receiving steroids for > 8 months before the switch, and with at least 6 months of follow-up were included. Switch from intravenous to subcutaneous vedolizumab was defined as successful in patients not experiencing a disease flare (pMAYO ≥ 2) or needing oral steroids or stopping subcutaneous vedolizumab during the 6 months of follow-up after the switch.

RESULTS

Overall, 168 patients were included. The switch was a success in 134 patients (79.8%). Vedolizumab retention rate was 88.7% at month six. C-reactive protein and faecal calprotectin values did not change after the switch (p = 0.07 and p = 0.28, respectively). Ten of the 19 patients who stopped subcutaneous formulation switched back to intravenous formulation recapturing clinical remission in 80%. Side effects were observed in 22 patients (13.1%).

CONCLUSION

Effectiveness of switching from intravenous to subcutaneous vedolizumab formulation in UC patients in steroid-free clinical remission is confirmed in a real-world setting.

Impact of Concomitant 5-Aminosalicylic Acid Therapy on Vedolizumab Efficacy and Safety in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Post Hoc Analyses of Clinical Trial Data

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The benefit of continuing 5-aminosalicylic acid [5-ASA] treatment when escalating to advanced therapies in patients with inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] is unclear. Vedolizumab is a gut-selective monoclonal anti-α4β7-integrin antibody used to treat moderate to severe IBD. Clinical trial data were analysed post hoc to assess the impact of 5-ASA co-treatment on vedolizumab efficacy and safety in patients with IBD.

METHODS

Data were analysed from patients aged 18-80 years with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis [UC]/Crohn's disease [CD] receiving intravenous [IV]/subcutaneous [SC] vedolizumab. Efficacy data were from four studies [GEMINI 1 and 2 and VISIBLE 1 and 2]; safety data were from seven studies [GEMINI 1‒3 and long-term, VISIBLE 1, 2, and open-label extension]. The impact of 5-ASA co-treatment on clinical and endoscopic outcomes at Weeks 6 and 52 was assessed using multivariate analysis (adjusted odds ratios [aORs] with 95% confidence intervals [CIs]).

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in UC clinical remission [Mayo score ≤2, no subscore >1] rates with vs without 5-ASA at Week 6 [20.7% vs 20.4%, respectively; aOR 0.77, 95% CI 0.43-1.38] or at Week 52 [45.1% vs 40.6%; aOR 1.14, 0.70-1.86], and in CD clinical remission [CD activity index score ≤150] rates at Week 6 [41.4% vs 35.1%; 1.26, 0.86-1.85] or at Week 52 [49.6% vs 37.8%; 1.35, 0.91-1.99]. The incidence of enteric and all infections in vedolizumab IV/SC-treated patients was low with and without 5-ASA.

CONCLUSION

Continuation of concomitant oral 5-ASA after starting vedolizumab had no significant impact on clinical and endoscopic outcomes.

CLINICAL TRIAL IDENTIFIERS

GEMINI 1: NCT00783718, EudraCT 2008-002782-32; GEMINI 2: NCT00783692, EudraCT 2008-00278-33; GEMINI 3: NCT01224171, EudraCT 2009-016488-12; GEMINI long-term safety study: NCT00790933, EudraCT 2008-002784-14; VISIBLE 1: NCT02611830, EudraCT 2015-000480-14; VISIBLE 2: NCT02611817, EudraCT 2015-000481-58; VISIBLE open-label extension: NCT02620046, EudraCT 2015-000482-31.

Personalized Treatment for Crohn's Disease: Current Approaches and Future Directions

Crohn's disease is a complex, relapsing and remitting inflammatory disorder of the gastrointestinal tract with a variable disease course. While the treatment options for Crohn's disease have dramatically increased over the past two decades, predicting individual patient response to treatment remains a challenge. As a result, patients often cycle through multiple different therapies before finding an effective treatment which can lead to disease complications, increased costs, and decreased quality of life. Recently, there has been increased emphasis on personalized medicine in Crohn's disease to identify individual patients who require early advanced therapy to prevent complications of their disease. In this review, we summarize our current approach to management of Crohn's disease by identifying risk factors for severe or disabling disease and tailoring individual treatments to patient-specific goals. Lastly, we outline our knowledge gaps in implementing personalized Crohn's disease treatment and describe the future directions in precision medicine.

Switching Vedolizumab from IV to SC Injection in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients with Active Disease: Real-World Experience from a German IBD Cohort

BACKGROUND

Vedolizumab (VDZ) for subcutaneous (SC) injection was approved for use in Europe in 2020 and the US in 2023. Promising efficacy and tolerability have been proven in pivotal trials. However, real-world data on the SC use of VDZ, especially in patients with active disease, are still lacking. We aimed to determine treatment persistence and the drug's efficacy in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients with active disease in comparison to patients in clinical remission.

METHODS

Patients treated for IBD in a tertiary care center from July 2020 to December 2021 were included in this study. Clinical and biochemical parameters and data on treatment adherence were collected. VDZ trough levels and disease activity before and after the switch from intravenous (IV) to SC injections were monitored during routine checkups and were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were followed up until week 20.

RESULTS

Eighty-two patients were included in the study. Of them, 35 patients had active disease (35/82 = 43%) at the time of the switch and 47 patients (47/82 = 57%) were in remission. In total, 10 patients experienced switch failure, 5 were switched back to IV VDZ, and 5 were swapped to a different biologic agent. We observed an increase in VDZ trough levels from the switch to week 8 and from the switch to week 20 in the remission group. Vedolizumab trough levels of 7.4, 51.4, and 33.45 ug/mL at the switch, week 8, and week 20 were identified to discriminate between remission and disease activity in our cohort. There was no new safety signal detected during the study period.

CONCLUSIONS

The switch from IV to SC VDZ proved to be efficient, safe, and even capable of reducing residual disease activity.

Recent advances in anti-inflammatory active components and action mechanisms of natural medicines

Inflammation is a series of reactions caused by the body's resistance to external biological stimuli. Inflammation affects the occurrence and development of many diseases. Anti-inflammatory drugs have been used widely to treat inflammatory diseases, but long-term use can cause toxic side-effects and affect human functions. As immunomodulators with long-term conditioning effects and no drug residues, natural products are being investigated increasingly for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. In this review, we focus on the inflammatory process and cellular mechanisms in the development of diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease, atherosclerosis, and coronavirus disease-2019. Also, we focus on three signaling pathways (Nuclear factor-kappa B, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription-3) to explain the anti-inflammatory effect of natural products. In addition, we also classified common natural products based on secondary metabolites and explained the association between current bidirectional prediction progress of natural product targets and inflammatory diseases.

Comparing the Efficacy and Safety of Adalimumab and Vedolizumab in Treating Moderate to Severe Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis

Background

Numerous patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) do not respond to conventional or biological therapy. Adalimumab (ADA) and vedolizumab (VDZ), according to certain research, may be a useful alternative treatment for these people. The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness and safety of using ADA and VDZ to treat moderate to severe IBD: Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC).

Methods

We searched PubMed, Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, the Cochrane Library, Embase, Google Scholar, CINAHL, Clinicaltrials.gov, and WHO trials registry (ICTRP). Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing ADA or VDZ with placebo in participants with active CD or UC were included. The primary outcomes were the clinical response and remission at induction and maintenance phases and mucosal healing. The secondary outcome was the incidence of profound negative events. The research used Comprehensive Meta-Analysis version 3 (Biostat Inc., USA).

Results

Eighteen RCTs were incorporated, in which 11 studies described the usefulness and safeness of ADA or VDZ in CD patients, and seven studies investigated the efficacy and safety of ADA or VDZ in UC patients. The meta-analysis revealed that both ADA and VDZ treatments were superior to placebo for producing clinical remission and eliciting clinical response at induction and maintenance phases in individuals with moderately to severely active CD or UC. Interestingly, we found that ADA was superior to VDZ as first-line treatment for patients with CD, but not UC.

Conclusion

ADA and VDZ are effective and safe in CD and UC patients. However, RCTs of a larger number of patients are still required for better assessing the safety profile of ADA and VDZ.

Research progress on intestinal tissue-resident memory T cells in inflammatory bowel disease

Tissue-resident memory T (TRM) cells are a recently discovered subpopulation of memory T cells that reside in non-lymphoid tissues such as the intestine and skin and do not enter the bloodstream. The intestine encounters numerous pathogens daily. Intestinal mucosal immunity requires a balance between immune responses to pathogens and tolerance to food antigens and symbiotic microbiota. Therefore, intestinal TRM cells exhibit unique characteristics. In healthy intestines, TRM cells induce necessary inflammation to strengthen the intestinal barrier and inhibit bacterial translocation. During intestinal infections, TRM cells rapidly eliminate pathogens by proliferating, releasing cytokines, and recruiting other immune cells. Moreover, certain TRM cell subsets may have regulatory functions. The involvement of TRM cells in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is increasingly recognized as a critical factor. In IBD, the number of pro-inflammatory TRM cells increases, whereas the number of regulatory subgroups decreases. Additionally, the classic markers, CD69 and CD103, are not ideal for intestinal TRM cells. Here, we review the phenotype, development, maintenance, and function of intestinal TRM cells, as well as the latest findings in the context of IBD. Further understanding of the function of intestinal TRM cells and distinguishing their subgroups is crucial for developing therapeutic strategies to target these cells.

The Efficacy and Safety of Biologic Drugs in the Treatment of Moderate-Severe Crohn's Disease: A Systematic Review

Conventional therapy is the most commonly used treatment for Crohn's disease (CD), but it does not always achieve disease control, which is why the use of biologic drugs is increasing. The aim of this study was to analyze the efficacy and safety of biologic drugs in adult patients diagnosed with moderate-severe CD. An intensive search was performed in PubMed, Web of Science and Medline to collect phase 2 or 3 clinical trials published between 2018 and 2023 that were randomized, placebo-controlled and double-blind trials analyzing the efficacy and safety of biologic drugs in adult patients diagnosed with CD. This systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA statement. Thirteen clinical trials evaluating eight biologic drugs were included. Upadacitinib, vedolizumab, adalimumab, guselkumab, mirikizumab, ustekinumab and risankizumab showed statistically significant efficacy across different clinical, endoscopic, histological, genetic, biomarker or quality-of-life parameters. However, PF-00547659 only showed statistically significant results for the CDAI-70 at week 12. In terms of safety, the incidence and severity of adverse effects were analyzed, with all drugs being well tolerated and presenting a good safety profile since most adverse effects were mild. Biologic drugs can be considered an effective and safe option for the treatment of moderate-severe CD in adult patients with an inadequate response or intolerance to conventional therapy.

The Future of Advanced Therapies for Pediatric Crohn's Disease

Pediatric Crohn's disease commonly presents with moderate-to-severe intestinal inflammation with a greater risk of complications if remission is not achieved. Anti-tumor necrosis factor therapies have offered the possibility of deep and durable remission; however, many children do not respond or no longer respond over time. Further, some children do not require broader systemic immunosuppression to achieve remission and are better served by an alternative treatment strategy. Proper utilization of advanced biologic and small-molecule therapies, which have become available for adult patients since anti-tumor necrosis factor medications, is paramount for tighter disease control for a large proportion of children. Newer advanced therapies such as anti-integrin and anti-interleukin biologics, and several small-molecule agents capitalize on various mechanisms through narrower immunologic targets and reduced immunogenicity. Given limited regulatory approvals of these agents for use in children with Crohn's disease, clinicians continue to rely on data extrapolated from clinical trials in adult patients, sparse pediatric studies, and a growing real-world experience for treatment selection and optimization. In this article, we discuss currently available treatment options, pipeline drugs, and relevant data as they pertain to some of the most pressing clinical challenges faced in treating pediatric Crohn's disease.

[Use of subcutaneous Vedolizumab: A position paper issued by the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Working Group of the Austrian Society of Gastroenterology and Hepatology (ÖGGH)]

The humanized monoclonal anti-α4β7-integrin-antibody vedolizumab is one of several biologic therapeutic options in moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Within the VISIBLE trial program, a novel subcutaneous application route was evaluated in addition to the already established intravenous form. In this position statement, the working group "Inflammatory Bowel Diseases" of the Austrian Society for Gastroenterology and Hepatology (OEGGH) summarizes the evidence regarding the subcutaneous application of vedolizumab. This work supplements a position paper on the value of vedolizumab as a first-line biologic that has already been published and offers useful recommendations for clinical practice.

A Systematic Review on Long-Term Efficacy Outcome Measures in Crohn's Disease Patients

BACKGROUND

The traditional long-term treatment goal of Crohn's disease [CD] is maintenance of corticosteroid-free clinical remission. Additional treatment targets, such as biochemical, endoscopic and patient-reported remission, are advocated. The relapsing-remitting nature of CD provides a challenge to the timing of target assessment. Cross-sectional assessment at predetermined moments disregards the health state in between measurements. In this systematic review, we provide an overview of outcomes used to assess long-term efficacy in clinical trials in CD.

METHODS

A systematic search of the PubMed and EMBASE databases was performed to identify clinical trials in luminal CD reporting on maintenance treatment [strategies] since 1995. Two independent reviewers selected eligible articles for full text retrieval, and assessed if long-term corticosteroid-free clinical, biochemical, endoscopic or patient-reported efficacy outcomes were used.

RESULTS

The search resulted in 2452 hits and 82 articles were included. Clinical activity was used in 80 studies [98%] as the long-term efficacy outcome, and in 21 [26%] of these concomitant corticosteroid use was taken into account. C-reactive protein was used in 32 studies [41%], faecal calprotectin in 15 studies [18%], endoscopic activity in 34 studies [41%] and patient-reported outcome in 32 studies [39%]. In seven studies, clinical, biochemical, endoscopic activity and the patient's perspective were measured. In most studies cross-sectional measures or multiple measurements over time were used.

CONCLUSION

In none of the published clinical trials in CD was sustained remission on all treatment targets reported. Cross-sectional outcomes at predetermined times were widely applied, leading to lack of information regarding sustained corticosteroid-free remission for this relapsing-remitting chronic disease.

Vedolizumab, Adalimumab, and Methotrexate Combination Therapy in Crohn's Disease (EXPLORER)

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Although biologics have revolutionized the treatment of Crohn's disease (CD), an efficacy ceiling has been reached. Combining biologic therapies may improve remission rates.

METHODS

EXPLORER, a phase 4, single-arm, open-label study, evaluated triple combination therapy with vedolizumab (300 mg on day 1, weeks 2 and 6, and then every 8 weeks), adalimumab (160 mg on day 2, 80 mg at week 2, then 40 mg every 2 weeks), and methotrexate (15 mg weekly) in biologic-naïve patients with newly diagnosed, moderate- to high-risk CD. Endoscopic remission at week 26 (primary end point; Simple Endoscopic Score for CD ≤2), clinical remission at weeks 10 and 26 (secondary end point; Crohn's Disease Activity Index <150), and incidences of adverse events and serious adverse events were evaluated.

RESULTS

Among 55 enrolled patients, the mean CD duration was 0.4 years, the mean baseline Simple Endoscopic Score for CD was 12.6, and the mean baseline Crohn's Disease Activity Index was 265.5. At week 26, 19 patients (34.5%) were in endoscopic remission. At weeks 10 and 26, 34 (61.8%) and 30 patients (54.5%), respectively, were in clinical remission. Post hoc Bayesian analysis showed that the probabilities that triple combination therapy produced a higher endoscopic remission rate (33.5%; 95% credible interval, 22.4-45.7) than placebo (14%), vedolizumab monotherapy (27%), or adalimumab monotherapy (30%) were 99.9% or higher, 86.3%, and 71.4%, respectively. Six patients had serious adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

Combination therapy resulted in endoscopic and clinical remission at week 26 in 34.5% and 54.5% of patients, respectively, with no safety signal related to the treatment regimen. This supports further evaluation of combination therapy in CD.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov number: NCT02764762.

Pharmacological Therapy in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: A Narrative Review of the Past 90 Years

Inflammatory Bowel Diseases had their first peak in incidence in countries in North America, Europe, and Oceania and are currently experiencing a new acceleration in incidence, especially in Latin America and Asia. Despite technological advances, 90 years after the development of the first molecule for the treatment of IBD, we still do not have drugs that promote disease remission in a generalized way. We carried out a narrative review on therapeutic advances in the treatment of IBD, the mechanisms of action, and the challenges facing the therapeutic goals in the treatment of IBD. Salicylates are still used in the treatment of Ulcerative Colitis. Corticosteroids have an indication restricted to the period of therapeutic induction due to frequent adverse events, while technologies with less systemic action have been developed. Most immunomodulators showed a late onset of action, requiring a differentiated initial strategy to control the disease. New therapeutic perspectives emerged with biological therapy, initially with anti-TNF, followed by anti-integrins and anti-interleukins. Despite the different mechanisms of action, there are similarities between the general rates of effectiveness. These similar results were also evidenced in JAK inhibitors and S1p modulators, the last therapeutic classes approved for the treatment of IBD.

Safety, Effectiveness, and Treatment Persistence of Subcutaneous Vedolizumab in IBD: A Multicenter Study From the United Kingdom

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Despite intravenous (IV) vedolizumab being established for treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), the novel subcutaneous (SC) route of administration may provide numerous incentives to switch. However, large-scale real-world data regarding the long-term safety and effectiveness of this strategy are lacking.

METHODS

IBD patients on IV vedolizumab across 11 UK sites agreed to transition to SC injections or otherwise continued IV treatment. Data regarding clinical disease activity (Simple Clinical Colitis Activity Index, partial Mayo score, and modified Harvey-Bradshaw Index), biochemical markers (C-reactive protein and calprotectin), quality of life (IBD control), adverse events, treatment persistence, and disease-related outcomes (namely corticosteroid use, IBD-related hospitalization, and IBD-related surgery) were retrospectively collected from prospectively maintained clinical records at baseline and weeks 8, 24, and 52.

RESULTS

Data from 563 patients (187 [33.2%] Crohn's disease, 376 [66.8%] ulcerative colitis; 410 [72.8%] SC, 153 [27.2%] IV) demonstrated no differences in disease activity, remission rates, and quality of life between the SC and IV groups at all time points. Drug persistence at week 52 was similar (81.1% vs 81.2%; P = .98), as were rates of treatment alteration due to either active disease (12.2% vs 8.9%; P = .38) or adverse events (3.3% vs 6.3%; P = .41). At week 52, there were equivalent rates of adverse events (9.8% vs 7.8%; P = .572) and disease-related outcomes. IBD control scores were equivalent in both IV-IV and IV-SC groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Switching to SC vedolizumab appears as effective, safe, and well tolerated as continued IV treatment and maintains comparable disease control and quality of life as IV treatment at 52 weeks.

Vedolizumab for induction and maintenance of remission in Crohn's disease

BACKGROUND

Vedolizumab blocks inflammatory activity within the gastrointestinal tract. Systematic reviews have demonstrated the efficacy of vedolizumab in ulcerative colitis and inflammatory bowel disease in general. This systematic review and meta-analysis summarises the current evidence of vedolizumab in the induction and maintenance of remission in Crohn's disease.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the benefits and harms of vedolizumab versus placebo for the induction and maintenance of remission in people with Crohn's disease.

SEARCH METHODS

We used standard, extensive Cochrane search methods. The latest search date was 30 November 2022.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs comparing vedolizumab to placebo for the induction or maintenance of remission in people with Crohn's disease.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We used standard Cochrane methods. For induction studies, the primary outcome was 1. clinical remission, and secondary outcomes were rates of 2. clinical response, 3. adverse events, 4. serious adverse events, 5. surgery, 6. endoscopic remission and 7. endoscopic response. For maintenance studies, the primary outcome was 1. maintenance of clinical remission, and secondary outcomes were rates of 2. adverse events, 3. serious adverse events, 4. surgery, 5. endoscopic remission and 6. endoscopic response. We used GRADE to assess certainty of evidence.

MAIN RESULTS

We analysed induction (4 trials, 1126 participants) and maintenance (3 trials, 894 participants) studies representing people across North America, Europe, Asia and Australasia separately. One maintenance trial administered subcutaneous vedolizumab whilst the other studies used the intravenous form. The mean age ranged between 32.6 and 38.6 years. Vedolizumab was superior to placebo for the induction of clinical remission (71 more per 1000 with clinical remission with vedolizumab; risk ratio (RR) 1.61, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.20 to 2.17; number needed to treat for an additional beneficial outcome (NNTB) 13; 4 studies; high-certainty evidence) and superior to placebo for inducing clinical response (105 more per 1000 with clinical response with vedolizumab; RR 1.43, 95% CI 1.19 to 1.71; NNTB 8; 4 studies; high-certainty evidence). For the induction phase, vedolizumab may be equivalent to placebo for the development of serious adverse events (9 fewer serious adverse events per 1000 with vedolizumab; RR 0.91, 95% CI 0.62 to 1.33; 4 studies; low-certainty evidence) and probably equivalent to placebo for overall adverse events (6 fewer adverse events per 1000 with vedolizumab; RR 1.01, 95% CI 0.93 to 1.11; 4 studies; moderate-certainty evidence). Vedolizumab was superior to placebo for the maintenance of clinical remission (141 more per 1000 with maintenance of clinical remission with vedolizumab; RR 1.52, 95% CI 1.24 to 1.87; NNTB 7; 3 studies; high-certainty evidence). During the maintenance phase, vedolizumab may be equivalent to placebo for the development of serious adverse events (3 fewer serious adverse events per 1000 with vedolizumab; RR 0.98, 95% CI 0.68 to 1.39; 3 studies; low-certainty evidence) and probably equivalent to placebo for the development of overall adverse events (0 difference in adverse events per 1000; RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.94 to 1.07; 3 studies; moderate-certainty evidence).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

High-certainty data across four induction and three maintenance trials demonstrate that vedolizumab is superior to placebo in the induction and maintenance of remission in Crohn's disease. Overall adverse events are probably similar and serious adverse events may be similar between vedolizumab and placebo during both induction and maintenance phases of treatment. Head-to-head research comparing the efficacy and safety of vedolizumab to other biological therapies is required.

An update on the safety of long-term vedolizumab use in inflammatory bowel disease

INTRODUCTION

Vedolizumab (Entyvio) is a humanized monoclonal antibody that disrupts the interaction between α4β7 integrin on circulating T-lymphocytes and MAdCAM-1 on the vascular endothelium to prevent their egress to sites of gut inflammation. It has proven therapeutic efficacy for the treatment of moderate-to-severe Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and pouchitis.

AREAS COVERED

This narrative review assesses the safety profile of vedolizumab from the registration trial programs, open-label extension studies, observational real-world data, and pooled safety analyses. This includes an evaluation of the long-term overall safety in special populations typically underrepresented in clinical trials.

EXPERT OPINION

Vedolizumab is an effective therapy for inflammatory bowel disease with a well-established safety profile. No unexpected long-term safety signals have been identified. Safety data in pregnancy, in pediatric and elderly populations, in patients undergoing surgery, and in patients with a prior history of cancer are reassuring. Due to its safety merits, we propose that vedolizumab is an excellent candidate for advanced combination treatment with an anti-cytokine approach using another biologic or novel small molecule inhibitor. This is important in patients with medically refractory IBD, in patients at high risk of developing disease-related complications, or in patients with concomitant uncontrolled immune-mediated inflammatory diseases.

An update on efficacy and safety comparison of biologics in treatment of inflammatory bowel disease targeting TNF-α, interleukins, leukocyte trafficking, Janus-kinase, and sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor

INTRODUCTION

Along with the rising prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) [Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC)], biological therapies need an update/insight.

AREA COVERED

This review included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from PubMed database (2000-October 2022) of approved biologics and small molecules with primary outcome analysis on efficacy (clinical response/remission/mucosal healing) and/or adverse events (AEs). Considered for this review under biologics classes are TNF-α inhibitors, leukocyte trafficking inhibitors, and anti IL-12/IL-23; and under small molecules are Janus-kinase inhibitors, and sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor modulators.

EXPERT OPINION

In CD, clinical response and remission were better with tofacitinib (61.23%) and infliximab (44.86%), respectively, in the induction phase, and these were better with ustekinumab in the maintenance phase. In UC, the maximum rate of response, remission, and mucosal healing were obtained with infliximab during the induction phase (67.49%, 35.99%, and 60.25%, respectively). During the maintenance phase, response rate was better with ustekinumab, but remission and mucosal healing were better with vedolizumab. The combined percentage of AEs was highest with infliximab (174.45%) and least with ozanimod (23.04%), and most commonly belonged to the 'infection and infestation system organ class (SOC).' These efficacy and safety analyses will help in the optimization of biologic treatment in IBD.

Switching from intravenous to subcutaneous vedolizumab maintenance treatment in patients with inflammatory bowel disease followed by therapeutic drug monitoring

OBJECTIVE

Vedolizumab (VDZ) for subcutaneous (SC) administration has recently become available. We aimed to assess feasibility, safety and clinical outcome when switching from intravenous (IV) to SC VDZ maintenance treatment in a real world cohort of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) followed by therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM).

METHODS

Eligible IBD patients were switched from IV to SC treatment and assessed six months prior to switch, at baseline and six, twelve and twenty-six weeks after switch. Primary outcome was proportion of patients on SC treatment after 26 weeks. Secondary outcomes included adverse events (AEs), clinical disease activity, biochemical markers, treatment interval, serum-VDZ (s-VDZ), preferred route of administration and health-related quality of life.

RESULTS

In total, 108 patients were switched. After 26 weeks, 100 patients (92.6%) were still on SC treatment and median s-VDZ was 47.6 mg/L (IQR 41.3 - 54.6). The most frequent AE was injection site reaction (ISR), reported by 20 patients (18.5%). There were no clinically significant changes in disease activity, biochemical markers and quality of life. The proportion of patients preferring SC administration increased from 28.0% before switch to 59.4% after 26 weeks (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Nine out of ten patients still received SC treatment after 26 weeks. No change in disease activity occurred, and levels of serum VDZ increased. Although almost one fifth of patients experienced ISRs, a higher proportion favored SC administration at 26 weeks. This study demonstrates that SC maintenance treatment is a safe and feasible alternative to IV treatment.

Practical Primer Addressing Real-World Use Scenarios of Subcutaneous Vedolizumab in Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's Disease: Post Hoc Analyses of VISIBLE Studies

Background

Vedolizumab, an anti-α4β7 integrin approved for intravenous (IV) treatment of moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD), was evaluated as a subcutaneous (SC) formulation in maintenance therapy for UC and CD in phase 3 VISIBLE 1, 2, and open-label extension studies, and recently approved in Europe, Australia, and Canada. Our aim was to evaluate efficacy and safety of IV and SC vedolizumab in clinically relevant UC and CD scenarios.

Methods

Post hoc data analyses from VISIBLE trials examined: (1) whether baseline characteristics predict clinical response to 2 vs 3 IV vedolizumab induction doses; (2) efficacy and safety of switching during maintenance vedolizumab IV to SC in patients with UC; (3) vedolizumab SC after treatment interruption of 1-46 weeks; (4) increasing dose frequency of vedolizumab SC from every 2 weeks (Q2W) to every week (QW) after disease worsening.

Results

No baseline characteristics were identified as strong predictors of response to 2 vs 3 vedolizumab infusions. Most patients achieved clinical response after 2 or 3 doses of IV vedolizumab maintained with SC treatment. Clinical remission and response rates were maintained in patients transitioned from maintenance vedolizumab IV to SC treatment. Of patients with UC, ≥75% achieved response following resumption after dose interruption. Escalation to QW dosing resulted in ≥45% of patients regaining response after loss while receiving vedolizumab Q2W.

Conclusions

Clinical real-world scenarios with vedolizumab SC were reviewed using VISIBLE studies data. Vedolizumab SC provides an additional dosing option for patients with UC and CD.

Quality of Life (QoL) in Patients with Chronic Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: How Much Better with Biological Drugs?

BACKGROUND

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), including ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD), are chronic and disabling diseases that affect patient health-related quality of life (HRQoL). IBD patients are frequently exposed to high levels of stress and psychological distress. Biological drugs have been proven to reduce inflammation, hospitalization, and most of the complications that characterize IBDs; their potential contribution to patients' HRQoL remains to be explored.

AIM

To evaluate and compare any change in the HRQoL and markers of inflammation in IBD patients undergoing biological drugs (infliximab or vedolizumab).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A prospective observational study was conducted on a cohort of IBD patients, aged >18 years, who were prescribed with infliximab or vedolizumab. Demographic and disease-related data at baseline were collected. Standard hematological and clinical biochemistry parameters, including C-reactive protein (CRP), white blood cells count (WBC), erythrocytes sedimentation rate (ESR), and α1 and α2 globulins were measured after a 12-h fast at baseline (T0), after 6 weeks (T1), and at 14 weeks (T2) of biological treatment. Steroid use, disease activity as measured by the Harvey-Bradshaw index (HBI) and partial Mayo score (pMS) for the CD and UC, respectively, were also recorded at each timepoint. The Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36), Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy (FACIT-F), and Work Productivity and Activity Impairment-General Health Questionnaire (WPAI:GH) were administered to each patient at baseline, T1, and T2 to address the study aims.

RESULTS

Fifty eligible consecutive patients (52% with CD and 48% with UC) were included in the study. Twenty-two patients received infliximab and twenty-eight received vedolizumab. We noted a significant reduction in the CRP, WBC, α1, and α2 globulins from T0 to T2 (p = 0.046, p = 0.002, p = 0.008, and p = 0.002, respectively). Participants showed a significant decrease in steroid administration during the observation period. A significant reduction in the HBI of CD patients at all three timepoints and a similarly significant decrease in the pMS of UC patients from baseline to T1 were recorded. Statistically significant changes were observed in all questionnaires during follow-up as well as an overall improvement in the HRQoL. The interdependence analysis carried out between the biomarkers and the scores of the individual subscales showed a significant correlation between the variation (Δ) of the CRP, Hb, MCH, and MCV with physical and emotional dimensions of the SF-36 and FACIT-F tools; work productivity loss expressed by some of the WPAI:GH items negatively correlated with the ΔWBC and positively with the ΔMCV, ΔMCH, and Δ α1 globulins. A sub-analysis according to the type of treatment showed that patients receiving infliximab experienced a more pronounced improvement in their HRQoL (according to both SF-36 and FACIT-F) compared with patients receiving vedolizumab.

CONCLUSIONS

Both infliximab and vedolizumab played an important role in contributing to the improvement of the HRQoL in IBD patients by also reducing inflammation and, consequently, steroid use in patients with an active disease. HRQoL, being one of the treatment goals, should also be assessed when taking charge of IBD patients to assess their clinical response and remission. The specific correlation between the biomarkers of inflammation and life's spheres, as well as their possible role as clinical markers of HRQoL, should be further investigated.

Efficacy and safety of vedolizumab in the treatment of patients with inflammatory bowel disease: A systematic review and meta‑analysis of randomized controlled trials

Few studies have thoroughly assessed the efficacy and safety of vedolizumab (VDZ) in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to further evaluate this association. PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane databases were searched until April 2022. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the efficacy and safety of VDZ in the treatment of IBD were included. The risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated for each outcome using a random effects model. A total of 12 RCTs, including 4,865 patients, met the inclusion criteria. In the induction phase, VDZ was more effective than placebo for patients with ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease (CD) in clinical remission (RR=2.09; 95% CI=1.66-2.62) and clinical response (RR=1.54; 95% CI=1.34-1.78). In the maintenance therapy group, VDZ reached higher clinical remission (RR=1.98; 95% CI=1.58-2.49) and clinical response (RR=1.78; 95% CI=1.40-2.26) rates compared with the placebo group. VDZ particularly improved clinical remission (RR=2.07; 95% CI=1.48-2.89) and clinical response (RR=1.84; 95% CI=1.54-2.21) in patients with TNF antagonist failure. In terms of corticosteroid-free remission, VDZ was also more effective than placebo in patients with IBD (RR=1.98; 95% CI=1.51-2.59). In Crohn's patients, VDZ was more effective than placebo in terms of mucosal healing (RR=1.78; 95% CI=1.27-2.51). With respect to adverse events, VDZ significantly reduced the risk of IBD exacerbation compared with the placebo (RR=0.60; 95% CI=0.39-0.93; P=0.023). However, when compared with the placebo, VDZ increased the risk of nasopharyngitis in patients with CD (RR=1.77; 95% CI=1.01-3.10; P=0.045). No significant differences in other adverse events were observed. Although there might be underlying risk, such as selection bias, in the present study it can be safely concluded that VDZ is a safe and effective biological agent for IBD, particularly for patients with TNF antagonist failure.

Generalised urticaria and angioedema complicating switch back from subcutaneous to intravenous vedolizumab therapy

We report a unique case of a 34-year-old man with ulcerative colitis, previously in complete remission with intravenous vedolizumab monotherapy, who developed an urticarial injection-site reaction on switching to a subcutaneous preparation and thereafter experienced a new hypersensitivity reaction on switch back to intravenous vedolizumab, necessitating complete discontinuation from this drug. This case highlights the need for vigilance on switching back to intravenous preparations of vedolizumab, in response to injection-site reactions with a subcutaneous preparation, even if the intravenous preparation had been previously well tolerated by the patient.

Real-World Study on Vedolizumab Serum Concentration, Efficacy, and Safety after the Transition from Intravenous to Subcutaneous Vedolizumab in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients: Single-Center Experience

Little is known about how the change from intravenous to subcutaneous vedolizumab in a real-life setting in inflammatory bowel disease patients on stable maintenance therapy affects clinical outcomes. We compared the data on vedolizumab serum trough concentration, efficacy, and safety prior to and six months after the switch from intravenous to subcutaneous vedolizumab. In total, 24 patients, 13 with ulcerative colitis (UC) and 11 with Crohn’s disease (CD), were included. Mean serum trough concentration of intravenous vedolizumab was significantly lower than mean serum trough concentration of subcutaneous vedolizumab (p = 0.002). There was no significant difference between C-reactive protein levels, fecal calprotectin levels or clinical scores (Harvey–Bradshaw index or Partial Mayo score) prior to transition to subcutaneous vedolizumab and after 6 months. In four (16.7%) patients, two CD and two UC, therapy was discontinued during the follow-up period with a median of 5 months (minimum–maximum: 4–6). In all patients, therapy was discontinued due to loss of response. In total, 13 adverse events were reported by 11 patients, and the most common adverse event was COVID-19. No serious adverse events were reported. In conclusion, subcutaneous vedolizumab has shown to be effective and safe in patients on previously established maintenance therapy with intravenous vedolizumab.

Efficacy of biological therapies and small molecules in induction and maintenance of remission in luminal Crohn's disease: systematic review and network meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

There are numerous biological therapies and small molecules licensed for luminal Crohn's disease (CD), but these are often studied in placebo-controlled trials, meaning relative efficacy is uncertain. We examined this in a network meta-analysis.

DESIGN

We searched the literature to 1 July 2022, judging efficacy according to induction of clinical remission, clinical response and maintenance of clinical remission, and according to previous exposure or non-exposure to biologics. We used a random effects model and reported data as pooled relative risks (RRs) with 95% CIs, ranking drugs according to p-score.

RESULTS

We identified 25 induction of remission trials (8720 patients). Based on failure to achieve clinical remission, infliximab 5 mg/kg ranked first versus placebo (RR=0.67, 95% CI 0.56 to 0.79, p-score 0.95), with risankizumab 600 mg second and upadacitinib 45 mg once daily third. However, risankizumab 600 mg ranked first for clinical remission in biologic-naïve (RR=0.66, 95% CI 0.52 to 0.85, p-score 0.78) and in biologic-exposed patients (RR=0.74, 95% CI 0.67 to 0.82, p-score 0.92). In 15 maintenance of remission trials (4016 patients), based on relapse of disease activity, upadacitinib 30 mg once daily ranked first (RR=0.61, 95% CI 0.52 to 0.72, p-score 0.93) with adalimumab 40 mg weekly second, and infliximab 10 mg/kg 8-weekly third. Adalimumab 40 mg weekly ranked first in biologic-naïve patients (RR=0.59, 95% CI 0.48 to 0.73, p-score 0.86), and vedolizumab 108 mg 2-weekly first in biologic-exposed (RR=0.70, 95% CI 0.57 to 0.86, p-score 0.82).

CONCLUSION

In a network meta-analysis, infliximab 5 mg/kg ranked first for induction of clinical remission in all patients with luminal CD, but risankizumab 600 mg was first in biologic-naïve and biologic-exposed patients. Upadacitinib 30 mg once daily ranked first for maintenance of remission.

Vedolizumab subcutaneous formulation maintenance therapy for patients with IBD: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

The application of vedolizumab (VDZ) subcutaneous (SC) formulation has brought more convenience and hope to patients with moderate-to-severe inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) in the coronavirus disease 2019 context.

Objective

This study aimed to systematically evaluate all previous studies that used VDZ SC formulation for maintenance therapy in patients with IBD.

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Data Sources and Methods

The search was conducted using the subject and free terms related to 'Vedolizumab', 'Subcutaneous', and 'IBD', in Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, and at ClinicalTrials.gov databases between 2008 and 2022. The methodological quality of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and cohort studies was assessed using the Cochrane Handbook of Systematic Reviews and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, respectively. The endpoints included efficacy, safety, and immunogenicity.

Results

A total of 60 studies and 2 completed clinical registry trials were retrieved, of which 3 RCTs with high methodological quality, and 3 cohort studies with large heterogeneity were included in the meta-analysis. In the RCT study design, patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) under different conditions after treated with VDZ SC were significantly distinct than those for placebo (PBO) in clinical remission, endoscopic remission, and biochemical remission. In Crohn's disease (CD), the aforementioned parameters were slightly higher than those for PBO, but there was not statistically significant in endoscopic remission and the efficacy of anti-tumor necrosis factor-naive patients. The clinical remission, endoscopic remission, and biochemical remission in patients with UC after VDZ SC treatment were similar to those after intravenous (IV) treatment. The risk ratios in patients experiencing adverse events (AEs) and serious AEs after VDZ SC and PBO treatments were 86% and 89% in UC, and 96% and 80% in CD, respectively. Compared with IV, safety was not statistically different. The risk of developing anti-VDZ antibody after VDZ SC treatment was only 20% of that after PBO in patients with UC, but it was 9.38 times in CD.

Conclusion

VDZ SC treatment maintained the clinical efficacy of IV induction in patients with IBD without increasing the safety risk, and the efficacy was more pronounced in patients with UC. Immunogenicity might be a potential factor for the decrease in efficacy rate in patients with IBD.

Registration

INPLASY 2022120115.

Trajectories of health-related quality of life and fatigue during vedolizumab therapy in inflammatory bowel disease

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Normalizing health-related quality of life (QoL) and fatigue are important long-term treatment targets in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We examined their evolution in relation to changes in disease activity during vedolizumab therapy.

METHODS

Cohort study of biologically refractory IBD patients treated with vedolizumab. Patients were prospectively evaluated at all infusions by Short Health Scale (SHS) (QoL questionnaire covering four health dimensions) (n = 79), visual analogous scale for fatigue (VAS-F) (n = 30), and clinical disease activity. Objective disease assessment was carried out after 1 year or at treatment failure.

RESULTS

Patients in steroid-free clinical remission at end of induction improved significantly in all SHS items already from week 2 with full implementation by week 14 ("Symptoms" 59% improvement, P < 0.001; "Function" 63%, P < 0.001; "Worries" 59%, P < 0.001; "Well-being" 40%, P < 0.01). Then, SHS remained stable at background levels (< 20) for 1 year (improvements 67%; 65%; 62%; 57%; P < 0.001). Combined clinical-objective remission at 1 year was associated with highest SHS improvements (64-72%; P < 0.001). Of note, early SHS improvements preceded manifestation of clinical remission in most patients (22 of 33; 67%). Clinical response materialized into late (week 6 or later) and minor SHS improvements (31-46%, P < 0.001). Fatigue improved steadily over 6 months to background levels (VAS-F < 4) among patients in clinical remission (45% decrease) or clinical-objective remission (41%). SHS and VAS-F impairment remained elevated in patients without effect of therapy.

CONCLUSION

QoL rapidly improves and predicts later significant clinical-objective efficacies of vedolizumab at end of induction and 1 year. Fatigue improves slowly after remission is attained.

Development of Therapeutic Proteins for a New Subcutaneous Route of Administration after the Establishment of Intravenous Dosages: A Systematic Review

Therapeutic proteins may first be developed as intravenous (i.v.) therapies with new subcutaneous (s.c.) dosage forms being subsequently developed to provide an alternative route of administration. As of August 2022, there have been 9 therapeutic proteins which were developed as a new s.c. dosage form after the approval of the corresponding i.v. product. This article provides a systematic review of prior experiences in the i.v. to s.c. switch development programs. We describe what types of clinical studies were conducted to support the i.v. to s.c. switch for these nine therapeutic proteins. Publicly available scientific advice from health authorities is summarized, particularly regarding recommendations on overall development strategy, dose selection, immunogenicity assessment, and indication extrapolation. The clinical data from these i.v. to s.c. development programs demonstrate that: (1) when switching from i.v. dosing to s.c. dosing, trough drug concentration (C_trough ) from s.c. dosing should not be inferior to i.v. dosing with average drug concentration (C_avg ; equivalent to AUC, area under the curve after correcting for dosing intervals between i.v. and s.c. administration) being matched or non-inferior to i.v. dosing; and (2) with appropriate s.c. dose regimens, treatment with s.c. therapeutic proteins can generally achieve similar efficacy and safety as the corresponding i.v. products, suggesting that the much higher maximum concentration (C_max ) after i.v. infusion as compared with that from s.c. injection is often not relevant to the treatment effect.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients' Acceptance for Switching from Intravenous Infliximab or Vedolizumab to Subcutaneous Formulation: The Nancy Experience

BACKGROUND

Subcutaneous infliximab and vedolizumab formulations have been developed for maintenance therapy in inflammatory bowel disease. The objective of this study was to explore the inflammatory bowel disease patient's acceptance for switching from intravenous infliximab or vedolizumab to subcutaneous, as well as to describe the causes of refusal or, conversely, the factors associated with acceptance.

METHODS

Patients were prospectively recruited between June 2021 and March 2022 during their infusion of infliximab or vedolizumab in the Medical Day Hospital of Nancy University Hospital. Adult patients with an established diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease in clinical remission were eligible for inclusion in this study if they had been treated with intravenous infliximab or vedolizumab for at least six months.

RESULTS

One hundred and thirty patients were included in this study. Thirty-six patients (27.7%) received vedolizumab and ninety-four patients (72.3%) received infliximab. Median duration of treatment at inclusion was 7.0 years [3.0-11.0]. In this cohort, 77.7% of patients accepted the switch from intravenous infliximab or vedolizumab to subcutaneous. The main reasons for patient's refusal for switching from intravenous to subcutaneous formulation were fear of loss of efficacy, a more spaced-out medical follow-up, increased frequency of administration, and self-administered injection. A short duration of treatment was associated with a high switch acceptance rate (odd ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval (CI)) = 0.9 (0.8-0.9); p = 0.0002).

CONCLUSION

A large majority of the patients included accepted the switch of their treatment with infliximab or vedolizumab from the intravenous form to the subcutaneous form. This study identified one predictor influencing the acceptance rate in inflammatory bowel disease population: short treatment duration. Subcutaneous infliximab and vedolizumab hold potential for greater patient flexibility by self-administration, reducing travel and hospital attendance for infusion.

Emerging drugs for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease

INTRODUCTION

Anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α have been the mainstay therapy for Crohn's (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) for decades. With growing need for highly effective therapy, various therapeutic targets have been introduced including anti-integrins, anti-interleukin (IL) 12/23, selective anti-IL23, Janus Kinase (JAK) inhibitors, sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) receptor modulators, and mRNA-124 splicing agent.

AREAS COVERED

The current state of available IBD therapies and those in development are reviewed, with recommendations made on positioning in clinical practice.

EXPERT OPINION

Selecting and sequencing IBD therapies remains a clinical challenge. Disease phenotype, severity of symptoms, patient comorbidities, and prior drug exposure should be considered when considering therapy options. Anti-TNF remains a time-tested option that is effective in both UC and CD. The perception that newer biologics have slower onset of action is probably overestimated and providers should reconsider need for concurrent corticosteroid. JAK-inhibitors provide rapid symptom improvement in patients with moderate-severe UC. Due to safety concerns, it is recommended as a second-line therapy for UC. The goal for IBD treatment should be personalized, have rapid onset of action, induce durable clinical and endoscopic remission, and have excellent safety.

Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in Refractory Crohn's Disease: Should It Be Considered?

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is widely used in benign and malignant hematological diseases. During the last decade, HSCT, mainly autologous, also gained increasing attention in the treatment of refractory autoimmune diseases. Crohn's disease (CD) is an inflammatory bowel disease leading to transmural inflammation potentially affecting all parts of the luminal gastrointestinal tract. Despite improving therapeutic options, including various biologics, some patients are refractory to all lines of available conservative therapy, leading to increased morbidity and reduced quality of life. Apart from surgery, HSCT might be a reasonable treatment alternative for refractory CD patients. This review aims to describe the current role of HSCT in CD and discusses the procedure, the correct patient selection, the clinical efficacy from initial remission to following relapse rates, and complications of this treatment.

Efficacy and safety of vedolizumab for inflammatory bowel diseases: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Vedolizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody that inhibits gut-selective α4β7 integrins on the surface of leukocytes, preventing their trafficking into the gastrointestinal tract, and ultimately achieves the effect of suppressing intestinal inflammation. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of vedolizumab in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease.

METHODS

After a systematic review of relevant studies, the pooled relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to evaluate the effect. Heterogeneity was explored using sensitivity analysis, univariate meta-regression, and subgroup analysis. Potential publication bias was evaluated using Egger test and trim-and-fill method.

RESULTS

Nine randomized controlled trials involving 4268 participants were included in the meta-analysis. During induction therapy, vedolizumab was more effective than placebo in treating active ulcerative colitis and Crohn disease in terms of clinical response (RR = 1.55, 95%CI: 1.35-1.78), clinical remission (RR = 1.90, 95%CI: 1.50-2.41), and mucosal healing (RR = 1.53, 95%CI: 1.21-1.95). A superior effect in terms of durable Clinical or Crohn disease Activity Index-100 response (RR = 1.65, 95%CI: 1.20-2.26), clinical remission (RR = 1.92, 95%CI: 1.48-2.50), and glucocorticoid-free remission (RR = 2.22, 95%CI: 1.71-2.90) was found during maintenance treatment. Vedolizumab was not associated with any adverse events and was as safe as placebo in terms of the risk of serious adverse reactions.

CONCLUSIONS

Vedolizumab may be safe and effective as an induction and maintenance therapy for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease; however, further studies are needed to validate this conclusion.