Comparison of efficacy, pharmacokinetics, and immunogenicity between infliximab mono- versus combination therapy in ulcerative colitis

Effects of prednisolone tapering on effectiveness of infliximab in patients with ulcerative colitis: data from a retrospective cohort

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The influence of concomitant prednisolone on clinical outcomes and safety in infliximab-treated ulcerative colitis (UC) patients is unknown.

DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS AND OUTCOME MEASURES

A retrospective cohort study was performed, including 147 UC patients treated with infliximab at a tertiary inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) centre. Primary outcome was corticosteroid-free clinical remission (CFCR) at week 14 and week 52. Patients were grouped according to prednisolone tapering regimens: standard (≤5 mg/week), fast (>5 mg/week), direct discontinuation or no prednisolone. Patients intolerant to corticosteroids and patients stopping corticosteroids in preparation for surgery including colectomy during their initial admission were excluded.

RESULTS

There was no overall association between prednisolone exposure or no exposure and CFCR at weeks 14 or 52 of infliximab. The proportion of patients with C reactive protein ≤5 mg/L was higher in the standard tapering at week 14 as compared with faster regimens or no prednisolone. In subgroup analyses, the standard tapering was associated with a higher rate of CFCR at week 14 compared with the fast-tapering regimen in patients receiving ≥40 mg prednisolone at initiation of infliximab (64.3% vs 26.3%, p=0.04) and among patients admitted with acute severe UC (66.6% vs 23.5%, p<0.05). Similar data were seen at week 52. Prednisolone did not affect infliximab trough levels but increased infection rates (10/77 vs 2/70, p=0.03), in particular C. difficile infection.

CONCLUSION

In UC patients with limited disease burden, prednisolone did not affect effectiveness of infliximab. However, patients with increased disease burden seem to benefit from corticosteroid combination therapy.

Therapeutic drug monitoring in inflammatory bowel diseases. Position statement of the Spanish Working Group on Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis

The treatment of inflammatory bowel disease has undergone a significant transformation following the introduction of biologic drugs. Thanks to these drugs, treatment goals have evolved from clinical response and remission to more ambitious objectives, such as endoscopic or radiologic remission. However, even though biologics are highly effective, a significant percentage of patients will not achieve an initial response or may lose it over time. We know that there is a direct relationship between the trough concentrations of the biologic and its therapeutic efficacy, with more demanding therapeutic goals requiring higher drug levels, and inadequate exposure being common. Therapeutic drug monitoring of biologic medications, along with pharmacokinetic models, provides us with the possibility of offering a personalized approach to treatment for patients with IBD. Over the past few years, relevant information has accumulated regarding its utility during or after induction, as well as in the maintenance of biologic treatment, in reactive or proactive strategies, and prior to withdrawal or treatment de-escalation. The aim of this document is to establish recommendations regarding the utility of therapeutic drug monitoring of biologics in patients with inflammatory bowel disease, in different clinical practice scenarios, and to identify areas where its utility is evident, promising, or controversial.

Systematic Review and Meta-analysis: Loss of Response and Need for Dose Escalation of Infliximab and Adalimumab in Ulcerative Colitis

BACKGROUND

Loss of response to infliximab or adalimumab in ulcerative colitis occurs frequently, and dose escalation may aid in regaining clinical benefit. This study aimed to systematically assess the annual loss of response and dose escalation rates for infliximab and adalimumab in ulcerative colitis.

METHODS

A systematic search was conducted from August 1999 to July 2021 for studies reporting loss of response and dose escalation during infliximab and/or adalimumab use in ulcerative colitis patients with primary response. Annual loss of response, dose escalation rates, and clinical benefit after dose escalation were calculated. Subgroup analyses were performed for studies with 1-year follow-up or less.

RESULTS

We included 50 unique studies assessing loss of response (infliximab, n = 24; adalimumab, n = 21) or dose escalation (infliximab, n = 21; adalimumab, n = 16). The pooled annual loss of response for infliximab was 10.1% (95% confidence interval [CI], 7.1-14.3) and 13.6% (95% CI, 9.3-19.9) for studies with 1-year follow-up. The pooled annual loss of response for adalimumab was 13.4% (95% CI, 8.2-21.8) and 23.3% (95% CI, 15.4-35.1) for studies with 1-year follow-up. Annual pooled dose escalation rates were 13.8% (95% CI, 8.7-21.7) for infliximab and 21.3% (95% CI, 14.4-31.3) for adalimumab, regaining clinical benefit in 72.4% and 52.3%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Annual loss of response was 10% for infliximab and 13% for adalimumab, with higher rates during the first year. Annual dose escalation rates were 14% (infliximab) and 21% (adalimumab), with clinical benefit in 72% and 52%, respectively. Uniform definitions are needed to facilitate more robust evaluations.

Combination therapy in inflammatory bowel disease: Current evidence and perspectives

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD) are chronic nonspecific intestinal inflammatory diseases with a relapsing-remitting course, including Ulcerative Colitis (UC) and Crohn's Disease (CD). Combination therapy has been proposed as a strategy to enhance treatment efficacy in IBD. The aim of this study is to summarize current evidence and perspectives on combination therapies in IBD.

METHODS

Electronic databases such as PubMed, Ovid Embase, Medline, and Cochrane CENTRAL were searched to identify relevant studies.

RESULTS

Current evidence supports that the combination of infliximab and thiopurines is more effective than monotherapy in inducing and maintaining remission in IBD. Data on the combination of other biological agents such as adalimumab, vedolizumab, ustekinumab, and immunosuppressors is lacking or showed conflicting results. Vedolizumab seems a potentially effective maintenance regimen after calcineurin inhibitors-based rescue therapy in acute severe ulcerative colitis (ASUC). Dual Targeted Therapy, which is the combination of two biological agents and/or small molecules, might be a reasonable choice in patients with concomitant IBD and extraintestinal manifestations, or in patients with medical-refractory IBD who lack valid alternatives. Some safety concerns such as adverse events (serious and opportunistic infections) and malignancies (lymphoma and nonmelanoma skin cancer) were raised in combination therapies.

CONCLUSIONS

Combination therapies seem to be effective in some IBD patients such as refractory IBD patients or patients with extraintestinal manifestations, but it might be associated with an increased risk of adverse events and malignancies.

Acute severe ulcerative colitis: management advice for internal medicine and emergency physicians

Acute severe ulcerative colitis is a medical emergency that warrants in-patient management. This is best served within a multidisciplinary team setting in specialised centres or with expert consultation. Intravenous corticosteroids remain the cornerstone in the management of ASUC and should be initiated promptly, along with general management measures and close monitoring of patients. Unfortunately, one-third of patients will fail to respond to steroids. Response to intravenous corticosteroid therapy needs to be assessed on the third day and rescue therapies, including cyclosporine and infliximab, should be offered to patients not responding. Choice of rescue therapy depends on experience, drug availability and factors associated with each individual patient, such as comorbidities, previous medications or contra-indications to therapy. Patients who have not responded within 7 days to rescue therapy must be considered for surgery. Surgery is a treatment option in ASUC and should not be delayed in cases of failure of medical therapy, because such delays increase surgical morbidity and mortality. This review summarises the current management of acute severe ulcerative colitis and discusses potential future developments.

Biosimilar Interchangeability and Emerging Treatment Strategies for Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: A Commentary

This commentary summarizes a collection of key references published within the last ten years, and identifies pharmacologic research directions to improve treatment access and success through greater biosimilar or “follow-on” biologic utilization combined with other targeted small molecule agents that possess unique pathophysiologic mechanisms for inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) in adult and pediatric patients. Since they are not identical to the originator or reference biologic agent, all biosimilars are not generically equivalent. However, in the US and other countries, they are considered therapeutically interchangeable if the manufacturer has demonstrated no clinically meaningful differences from the reference product. Comparisons of different clinical initiation and switching scenarios are discussed with reference to interchangeability, immunogenicity, nocebo effect, cost effectiveness, and time courses for discontinuation rates.

Combination therapy in inflammatory bowel disease - from traditional immunosuppressors towards the new paradigm of dual targeted therapy

BACKGROUND

Combining immunosuppressors has been proposed as a strategy to enhance treatment efficacy in Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).

AIM

To summarize current evidence on combinations of targeted therapies with traditional immunosuppressors or with other targeted therapies.

METHODS

A literature search on PubMed and Medline databases was performed to identify relevant articles.

RESULTS

Current evidence supports that the combination of infliximab and thiopurines is more effective than monotherapy with both agents in inducing remission in Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative colitis. Data on other combinations of other biologics and traditional immunosuppressors is lacking or show conflicting results. Vedolizumab seems a potentially effective maintenance regimen after calcineurin inhibitors-based rescue therapy in acute severe ulcerative colitis, as an alternative to thiopurines. Dual Targeted Therapy, which is the combination of 2 targeted therapies, might be a reasonable choice in patients with concomitant IBD and extraintestinal manifestations, or in patients with medical-refractory IBD who lack valid alternatives. Combinations with thiopurines are associated with an increased risk of infections and lymphoma. Data on other combinations is scarcer, but no specific safety issue has emerged so far.

CONCLUSIONS

Combination therapies seem to be effective in selected patients, with an overall acceptable safety profile.

Medical therapy versus surgery in moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis, a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the colon from rectum to caecum, is characterized by periods of increased bowel movements, blood in feces, rectal urgency, tenesmus, and abdominal pain, with periods of remission and flares of disease, which negatively impact quality of life. A number of therapeutic options are available for patients with moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis, however, no clear treatment algorithm exists. Therapeutic goals include short-term benefits for patients (i.e., the reduction/absence of symptoms, essentially stool frequency and rectal bleeding) and long-term benefits (i.e., sustained clinical remission, steroid-free remission, and mucosal healing). Therapies currently approved and available for the treatment of moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis include monoclonal antibodies such as those targeting anti-tumor necrosis factor α (i.e., infliximab, adalimumab, golimumab), anti-adhesion molecules (i.e., vedolizumab), anti-interleukin 12/23 agents (i.e., ustekinumab), and Janus Kinase inhibitors (i.e., tofacitinib). Surgical approaches should also be considered in patients refractory to medical therapy or with complications (including toxic megacolon or colonic dysplasia/cancer). This review provides an overview of currently available treatment options for patients with moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis and summarizes factors that should be considered during the therapeutic decision.

Efficacy of Granulocyte and Monocyte Adsorptive Apheresis in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease Showing Lost Response to Infliximab

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

In inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] patients, antibody-to-infliximab [ATI] generation is responsible for loss of response [LOR] and infusion reaction [IR] to infliximab. An immuno-therapeutic approach is considered an option to overcome LOR. Granulocyte/monocyte adsorptive apheresis [GMA] using an Adacolumn has been shown to have clinical efficacy together with immunomodulatory effects in IBD patients.

METHODS

We developed an ATI-CAI assay utilizing a C1q immobilized plate and applied it to measure ATI in patients who were receiving infliximab, including 56 with sustained response, 76 with LOR and six with IR. Furthermore, 14 patients with LOR and two with paradoxical skin reactions who received infliximab + GMA combination therapy were analysed.

RESULTS

Fourteen patients with LOR, seven with Crohn's disease and seven with ulcerative colitis, showed significantly improved clinical indices [p = 0.0009], and decreased ATI [p = 0.0171] and interleukin-6 [p = 0.0537] levels at week 8 following initiation of infliximab + GMA therapy. Nine patients who received combination therapy achieved remission, which was maintained to week 24 with infliximab alone. Additionally, cutaneous lesions in two patients with IR were improved. ATI-CAI assay efficiency was not influenced by infliximab concentration during the test. Pre- and post-infliximab infusion ATI levels were not different. Patients with ATI greater than the 0.153 μg/mL cut-off value were likely to experience LOR [odds ratio 3.0].

CONCLUSIONS

Patients who received infliximab + GMA therapy appeared to regain clinical response to infliximab by a decrease in ATI level. Furthermore, the concentration of infliximab in the test did not influence ATI measurement, but was associated with clinical response.

A Population-Based Study of Combination vs Monotherapy of Anti-TNF in Persons With IBD

BACKGROUND

Few data exist about the utilization of combination therapy (anti-tumor necrosis factor [anti-TNF] plus immunosuppressives) in clinical practice. We assessed the prevalence and predictors of combination therapy use vs anti-TNF monotherapy in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in the Canadian province of Manitoba.

METHODS

All 23 prescribers of anti-TNF medications for IBD in Manitoba facilitated chart review of their comprehensive lists of adult anti-TNF patients from 2005 to 2015. Subjects were stratified by year of first anti-TNF exposure. Patient, disease, and prescriber factors influencing combination therapy use were explored.

RESULTS

A total of 774 patients met inclusion criteria. Seventy-one point one percent had Crohn's disease (CD), 28.3% had ulcerative colitis (UC), and 0.6% had IBD unclassified; 45.3% received combination therapy, with no difference between CD and UC. Crohn's disease subjects receiving combination therapy were more likely to have penetrating or perianal disease (56.9% vs 42.8%; P = 0.001) and less likely to have had previous IBD-related surgeries (36.2% vs 46.2%; P = 0.02). The median age at diagnosis and at anti-TNF initiation was lower among combination therapy users. Adalimumab users were as likely as infliximab users to receive combination therapy but persisted with treatment for a shorter time. The proportion of new anti-TNF users receiving combination therapy did not change over time (P = 0.43). There was substantial variation in combination therapy use between prescribers (P = 0.002). The most frequently encountered reasons for avoiding combination therapy were previous intolerance or ineffectiveness of immunosuppressive monotherapy.

CONCLUSION

Use of combination therapy has remained unchanged over time despite the publication of high-quality data supporting its efficacy over anti-TNF monotherapy.

British Society of Gastroenterology consensus guidelines on the management of inflammatory bowel disease in adults

Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are the principal forms of inflammatory bowel disease. Both represent chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, which displays heterogeneity in inflammatory and symptomatic burden between patients and within individuals over time. Optimal management relies on understanding and tailoring evidence-based interventions by clinicians in partnership with patients. This guideline for management of inflammatory bowel disease in adults over 16 years of age was developed by Stakeholders representing UK physicians (British Society of Gastroenterology), surgeons (Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland), specialist nurses (Royal College of Nursing), paediatricians (British Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition), dietitians (British Dietetic Association), radiologists (British Society of Gastrointestinal and Abdominal Radiology), general practitioners (Primary Care Society for Gastroenterology) and patients (Crohn's and Colitis UK). A systematic review of 88 247 publications and a Delphi consensus process involving 81 multidisciplinary clinicians and patients was undertaken to develop 168 evidence- and expert opinion-based recommendations for pharmacological, non-pharmacological and surgical interventions, as well as optimal service delivery in the management of both ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Comprehensive up-to-date guidance is provided regarding indications for, initiation and monitoring of immunosuppressive therapies, nutrition interventions, pre-, peri- and postoperative management, as well as structure and function of the multidisciplinary team and integration between primary and secondary care. Twenty research priorities to inform future clinical management are presented, alongside objective measurement of priority importance, determined by 2379 electronic survey responses from individuals living with ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, including patients, their families and friends.

British Society of Gastroenterology consensus guidelines on the management of inflammatory bowel disease in adults

Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are the principal forms of inflammatory bowel disease. Both represent chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, which displays heterogeneity in inflammatory and symptomatic burden between patients and within individuals over time. Optimal management relies on understanding and tailoring evidence-based interventions by clinicians in partnership with patients. This guideline for management of inflammatory bowel disease in adults over 16 years of age was developed by Stakeholders representing UK physicians (British Society of Gastroenterology), surgeons (Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland), specialist nurses (Royal College of Nursing), paediatricians (British Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition), dietitians (British Dietetic Association), radiologists (British Society of Gastrointestinal and Abdominal Radiology), general practitioners (Primary Care Society for Gastroenterology) and patients (Crohn's and Colitis UK). A systematic review of 88 247 publications and a Delphi consensus process involving 81 multidisciplinary clinicians and patients was undertaken to develop 168 evidence- and expert opinion-based recommendations for pharmacological, non-pharmacological and surgical interventions, as well as optimal service delivery in the management of both ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Comprehensive up-to-date guidance is provided regarding indications for, initiation and monitoring of immunosuppressive therapies, nutrition interventions, pre-, peri- and postoperative management, as well as structure and function of the multidisciplinary team and integration between primary and secondary care. Twenty research priorities to inform future clinical management are presented, alongside objective measurement of priority importance, determined by 2379 electronic survey responses from individuals living with ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, including patients, their families and friends.

Immunoassay methods used in clinical studies for the detection of anti-drug antibodies to adalimumab and infliximab

We examined the assay formats used to detect anti-drug antibodies (ADA) in clinical studies of the anti-tumour necrosis factor (TNF) monoclonal antibodies adalimumab and infliximab in chronic inflammatory disease and their potential impact on pharmacokinetic and clinical outcomes. Using findings of a recent systematic literature review of the immunogenicity of 11 biological/biosimilar agents, we conducted an ancillary qualitative review of a subset of randomized controlled trials and observational studies of the monoclonal antibodies against anti-TNF factor adalimumab and infliximab. Among studies of adalimumab and infliximab, the immunoassay method used to detect antibodies was reported in 91 of 111 (82%) and 154 of 206 (75%) adalimumab and infliximab studies, respectively. In most adalimumab and infliximab studies, an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay or radioimmunoassay was used [85 of 91 (93%) and 134 of 154 (87%), respectively]. ADA incidence varied widely among assays and inflammatory diseases (adalimumab, 0-87%; infliximab, 0-79%). Pharmacokinetic and clinical outcomes were only reported for ADA-positive patients in 38 of 91 (42%) and 61 of 154 (40%) adalimumab and infliximab studies, respectively. Regardless of assay format or biological used, ADA formation was associated with lower serum concentrations, reduced efficacy and elevated rates of infusion-related reactions. Consistent with previous recommendations to improve interpretation of immunogenicity data for biologicals, greater consistency in reporting of assay methods and clinical consequences of ADA formation may prove useful. Additional standardization in immunogenicity testing and reporting, application of modern, robust assays that satisfy current regulatory expectations and implementation of international standards for marketed products may help to improve our understanding of the impact of immunogenicity to biologics.

The Role of Combination Therapy in Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Clinical Report from the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition

The treatment goal for children suffering from inflammatory bowel disease has been evolving with biologic therapies like anti-tumor necrosis factor agents assuming a more central role in treatment of more aggressive and extensive phenotype. Earlier introduction of anti-tumor necrosis factor agents have shown to be more effective and may even alter the natural history of inflammatory bowel disease. Development of anti-drug antibodies, however, limits long-term usage and leads to dose adjustment in almost half of patients treated with these medications. One of the strategies to minimize the development of anti-drug antibodies has been concomitant use of immunomodulator medications, resulting in fewer infusion reactions and sustained trough levels, potentially lowering the need for dose adjustments. Balanced with these benefits of optimized dosing and likely more sustained response, however, is the concern about increased risk of complications, such as infections and malignancies. The current manuscript reviews the available pediatric literature regarding efficacy, safety, and side effect profile of combination (immunomodulator and biologics) therapy in pediatric Crohn disease and ulcerative colitis, with particular emphasis on cost constraints, and recommendations for selection of patients who would benefit most from combination therapy.

Immunogenicity of Biologics in Chronic Inflammatory Diseases: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVES

A systematic review was conducted to explore the immunogenicity of biologic agents across inflammatory diseases and its potential impact on efficacy/safety.

METHODS

Literature searches were conducted through November 2016 to identify controlled and observational studies of biologics/biosimilars administered for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), ankylosing spondylitis (AS), non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA), psoriasis (Ps), Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis.

RESULTS

Of >21,000 screened publications, 443 were included. Anti-drug antibody (ADAb) rates varied widely among biologics across diseases (and are not directly comparable because of immunoassay heterogeneity); the highest overall rates were reported with infliximab (0-83%), adalimumab (0-54%), and infliximab biosimilar CT-P13 (21-52%), and the lowest with secukinumab (0-1%), ustekinumab (1-11%), etanercept (0-13%), and golimumab (0-19%). Most ADAbs were neutralizing, except those to abatacept and etanercept. ADAb+ versus ADAb- patients had lower rates of clinical response to adalimumab (RA, PsA, JIA, AS, Ps), golimumab (RA), infliximab (RA, PsA, AS, Ps), rituximab (RA), ustekinumab (Ps), and CT-P13 (RA, AS). Higher rates of infusion-related reactions were reported in infliximab- and CT-P13-treated ADAb+ patients. Background immunosuppressives/anti-proliferatives reduced biologic immunogenicity across diseases.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on reviewed reports, biologic/biosimilar immunogenicity differs among agents, with the highest rates observed with infliximab and adalimumab. As ADAb formation in biologic-/biosimilar-treated patients may increase the risk of lost response, the immunogenicity of these agents is an important (albeit not the only) consideration in the treatment decision-making process.

The impact of immunogenicity of TNFα inhibitors in autoimmune inflammatory disease. A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Monoclonal antibodies drugs directed against TNFα, TNFα inhibitors, are immunogenic, and consequent anti-drug antibodies (ADA) formation may decrease the functional drug concentration, resulting in a loss of response. We evaluated the impact of ADA on TNFα therapeutic response.

METHODS

We considered studies enrolling adult patients affected by autoimmune inflammatory disease in therapy with TNFα inhibitors. We collected data about study and population characteristics, treatment dosage, determination of ADA and adverse events (AE). We combined data in meta-analysis, calculating risk ratios (RR) for each study. p-Values<0.05 were considered as statistically significant. Methodological quality was evaluated. Analyses were performed with the STATA 11 and RevMan 5.3 softwares.

RESULTS

We included 34 studies enrolling 4273 patients. Of these, 794 (18.6%) developed ADA. Our analysis showed a significant reduction of response (RR 0.43, 95%CI 0.3-0.63) in patients with ADA respect to patients without, especially in patients treated with Infliximab (RR 0.37) or Adalimumab (RR 0.40). Furthermore, the administration of TNFα inhibitors produced a reaction at the infusion site in 17%, infection in 30% and serious AE in 5% of patients.

CONCLUSION

Detectable ADA significantly reduced TNFα inhibitors response. Drug administration can also cause injection site reaction and infections. Early detection of serum ADA levels may improve patients' management. Currently, there are many indications about the use of immunogenicity tests to guide the therapy, but information regarding how to implement it in clinical practice is needed.

Systematic review with meta-analysis: the efficacy and safety of CT-P13, a biosimilar of anti-tumour necrosis factor-α agent (infliximab), in inflammatory bowel diseases

BACKGROUND

Biosimilars of anti-tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α agents have now become clinically available for the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD).

AIM

To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety of biosimilars of anti-TNF-α agents in patients with IBD.

METHODS

Electronic databases were searched. The outcomes were the pooled rates of clinical response or remission, sustained clinical response or remission, and adverse events in patients with IBD induced with or switched to biosimilars of anti-TNF-α agents.

RESULTS

Eleven observational studies reporting outcomes in 829 patients treated with biosimilar of infliximab (CT-P13) were identified. The pooled rates of clinical response among Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) at 8-14 weeks were 0.79 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.65-0.88) and 0.74 (95% CI = 0.65-0.82), respectively, and at 24-30 weeks were 0.77 (95% CI = 0.63-0.86) and 0.77 (95% CI = 0.67-0.85) respectively. Adverse events were rare (CD, 0.08 (95% CI = 0.02-0.26); UC, 0.08 (95% CI = 0.03-0.17)). The pooled rates of sustained clinical response among CD and UC after switching from infliximab to CT-P13 at 30-32 weeks were 0.85 (95% CI = 0.71-0.93) and 0.96 (95% CI = 0.58-1.00), respectively, and at 48-63 weeks were 0.75 (95% CI = 0.44-0.92) and 0.83 (95% CI = 0.19-0.99) respectively. Adverse events were rare (CD, 0.10, 95% CI = 0.02-0.31; UC, 0.22, 95% CI = 0.04-0.63).

CONCLUSIONS

CT-P13 was associated with excellent clinical efficacy and safety profile, supporting its use in the treatment of IBD.

Methotrexate Reduced TNF Bioactivity in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients Treated with Infliximab

Objectives. To evaluate methotrexate effect on tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha bioactivity during infliximab (IFX) therapy in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and to correlate TNF bioactivity with antibody towards IFX (ATI) development and RA clinical response. Materials and Methods. Thirty-nine active women RA patients despite conventional synthetic disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (csDMARDs) requiring IFX therapy were enrolled, and clinical data and blood samples were recorded at baseline (W0) and at 6 weeks (W6), W22, and W54 of IFX treatment. TNF bioactivity as well as IFX trough and ATI concentrations were assessed on blood samples. Results. TNF bioactivity decreased from W0 to W54 with a large range from W22 at the time of ATI detection. From W22, TNF bioactivity was lower in presence of methotrexate as csDMARD compared to other csDMARDs. IFX trough concentration increased from W0 to W54 with a large range from W22, similarly to TNF bioactivity. Methotrexate therapy prevented ATI presence at W22 and reduced TNF bioactivity compared to other csDMARDs (p = 0.002). Conclusion. This suggests that methotrexate plays a key role in TNF bioactivity and against ATI development.

Efficacy of Vedolizumab Induction and Maintenance Therapy in Patients With Ulcerative Colitis, Regardless of Prior Exposure to Tumor Necrosis Factor Antagonists

BACKGROUND & AIMS

The efficacy and safety of vedolizumab, a humanized immunoglobulin G1 monoclonal antibody against the integrin α4β7, were demonstrated in multicenter, phase 3, randomized, placebo-controlled trials in patients with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis (UC) or Crohn's disease. We analyzed data from 1 of these trials to determine the effects of vedolizumab therapy in patients with UC, based on past exposure to anti-tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF) antagonists.

METHODS

We performed a post hoc analysis of data from the GEMINI 1 study, collected from 464 patients who received vedolizumab or placebo but had not received a previous TNF antagonist (naive to TNF antagonists) and 367 patients with an inadequate response, loss of response, or intolerance to TNF antagonists (failure of TNF antagonists). Predefined outcomes of GEMINI 1 were evaluated in these subpopulations.

RESULTS

At Week 6, there were greater absolute differences in efficacy between vedolizumab and placebo in patients naive to TNF antagonists than patients with failure of TNF antagonists, although the risk ratios (RRs) for efficacy were similar for each group. Week 6 rates of response to vedolizumab and placebo were 53.1% and 26.3%, respectively, among patients naive to TNF antagonists (absolute difference, 26.4%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 12.4-40.4; RR, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.3-3.0); these rates were 39.0% and 20.6%, respectively, in patients with failure of TNF antagonists (absolute difference, 18.1%; 95% CI, 2.8-33.5; RR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.1-3.2). During maintenance therapy, the absolute differences were similar but the RR for efficacy was higher for patients with failure of TNF antagonists than for patients naive to TNF antagonists, for most outcomes. Week 52 rates of remission with vedolizumab and placebo were 46.9% and 19.0%, respectively, in patients naive to TNF antagonists (absolute difference, 28.0%; 95% CI, 14.9-41.1; RR, 2.5; 95% CI, 1.5-4.0) and 36.1% and 5.3%, respectively, in patients with failure of TNF antagonists (absolute difference, 29.5%; 95% CI, 12.8-46.1; RR, 6.6; 95% CI, 1.7-26.5). No differences in adverse events were observed among groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Vedolizumab demonstrated significantly greater efficacy as induction and maintenance therapy for UC than placebo in patients naive to TNF antagonists and patients with TNF antagonist failure. There were numerically greater treatment differences at Week 6 among patients receiving vedolizumab who were naive to TNF antagonists than patients with TNF antagonist failure. ClinicalTrials.gov no: NCT00783718.

Infliximab in ulcerative colitis: real-life analysis of factors predicting treatment discontinuation due to lack of response or colectomy: ECIA (ACAD Colitis and Infliximab Study)

OBJECTIVE

To describe clinical practice with infliximab (IFX) in ulcerative colitis (UC); identification of predictive factors for IFX treatment discontinuation due to insufficient response and for colectomy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Retrospective, multicentric and observational study including every UC IFX-treated patient in 10 Spanish hospitals. Variables analyzed: epidemiological data; variables for poor prognosis; IFX prior treatments; characteristics of the IFX treatment; time from the UC diagnosis to induction with IFX; time from induction to colectomy or until data collection. Predictive and protective factors for IFX discontinuation due to lack of response and for colectomy were analyzed with binary logistic regression and Cox analysis.

RESULTS

Follow-up time from induction with IFX to the collection of data or colectomy: 36.7 ± 25.7 months. Prior treatment with immunomodulator medications (IMM): 79%; IFX + immunosuppressant therapy: 77%; discontinuation of IFX: 26%, colectomy 16%. Independent predictive or protective factors for IFX discontinuation: IMM resistance (OR: 2.9, p = 0.022, 95% CI: 1.2-7.2), prior use of leukocytapheresis (OR: 3.3, p = 0.024, 95% CI: 1.1-9.4), IFX + IMM therapy (OR: 0.3, p = 0.022, 95% CI: 0.1-0.9, and HR: 0.4, p = 0.006, 95% CI: 0.2-0.8) and corticosteroid use in induction (HR: 1.9, p = 0.049, 95% CI: 1.0-3.8). Independent predictive or protective factors for colectomy: Use of leukocytapheresis (OR: 3.0, p = 0.036, 95% CI: 1.1-8.4), IFX + IMM therapy (OR: 0.3, p = 0.022, 95% CI: 0.1-0.8, and HR: 0.3, p = 0.011, 95% CI: 0.1-0.8) and severe cortico-resistant flare-up (HR: 2.5, p = 0.032, 95% CI: 1.1-5.9).

CONCLUSIONS

Prior use of IMM and leukocytapheresis, the use of corticosteroids in induction and a severe cortico-resistant flare predict a worse response to IFX and the need for colectomy. Combination therapy is a protective factor for both.

Long-Term Follow-Up of Patients Treated with Infliximab for Ulcerative Colitis: Predictive Factors of Response-An Observational Study

AIM

To evaluate the early and long-term efficacy of infliximab in ulcerative colitis and to determine predictors of response and colectomy.

METHODS

This is an ambidirectional cohort study in a tertiary referral center including patients who started infliximab within 2005 and 2008 and monitored until 2014. Efficacy was evaluated by partial Mayo scores at weeks 2, 4, 8, 30, and 54. Long-term treatment maintenance with infliximab and colectomy requirements were recorded.

RESULTS

Fifty-three patients were included with a median follow-up of 69.5 months. Clinical remission at the time point assessments was 40.8, 47.2, 54.7, 54.7, and 49.1 %. At the time of maximal follow-up, the proportion of patients under infliximab maintenance was 24.5 %. A higher level of albumin (OR 1.4, CI 95 % 1.06-1.8; p = 0.017) was predictive of a higher remission rate at week 8. Concomitant immunomodulators beyond 6 months were predictive of infliximab's long-term maintenance (OR 15.8, CI 95 % 1.8-135.4; p = 0.012). Colectomy was required in 41.5 %. Factors associated with a higher rate of colectomy at week 54 were previous treatment with cyclosporine (OR 3.4, CI 95 % 1.2-9.7; p = 0.012), absence of response at week 8 (OR 10.3, CI 95 % 3.3-31.7; p < 0.001), and not receiving concomitant immunomodulators (OR 4.1, CI 95 % 1.8-9; p = 0.002). Colectomy rates within the first 54 weeks were closely dependent on the number of variables present: none (0 %), 1 (26.3 %), 2 (71.4 %), or 3 (100 %) of them (log rank <0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Low albumin, previous treatment with cyclosporine, absence of a concomitant immunomodulator, and lack of response at week 8 negatively affected the efficacy of infliximab in ulcerative colitis.

Approach to Optimize Anti-TNF-α Therapy in Patients With IBD

OPINION STATEMENT

Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) is an inflammatory cytokine that plays a major role during the initiation and perpetuation of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Anti-TNF-α agents are the most widely used biologics that specifically target either or both circulating and membrane-bound TNF-α, thus preventing its pro-inflammatory activity. Despite their efficacy, one third of the patients receiving anti-TNF-α agents are primary non-responders and nearly half of the patients that initially respond may subsequently lose response (secondary loss of response). Many of these cases can be explained by immunogenicity, which can lead to lower drug levels associated with reduced response and serious adverse effects that cause patients to withdraw from treatment. New treatment algorithms instruct practitioners to check drug and antibody levels when there is loss of response, and then provide guidance towards either dose optimization and/or change in the biologic agent or class to help regain efficacy.

Biologic agents for IBD: practical insights

Six biologic agents are currently approved for the treatment of IBD: four anti-TNF agents (infliximab, adalimumab, golimumab and certolizumab pegol) and two anti-integrin agents (natalizumab and vedolizumab). In Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis refractory to standard medications, treatment choice among available biologic agents can be challenging. Several parameters should be taken into account to help physicians through the decision-making process, including the comparative effectiveness and long-term safety profile, availability and labelling in the prescriber's country, international guidelines, and cost, as well as patient preferences (such as the route of administration). Herein, we provide practical insights on the use of biologic agents in IBD. The results of head-to-head trials between biologic agents are eagerly awaited to guide decision-making regarding the choice of first-line biologic agents and to determine whether switching within the same drug class or swapping (switching out of the drug class) is preferable after primary or secondary loss of response to the first biologic agent. In the near future, treatment algorithms might evolve with the launch of new drugs (such as ustekinumab, tofacitinib and etrolizumab) and the increased use of biosimilars.

Methotrexate for maintenance of remission in ulcerative colitis

BACKGROUND

Methotrexate, a folate antagonist, is an immunosuppressant drug that is effective for treating several inflammatory disorders including Crohn's disease. Ulcerative colitis, a related chronic inflammatory bowel disease, can be challenging to treat. T his updated systematic review summarizes the current evidence on the use of methotrexate for induction maintenance of remission in ulcerative colitis.

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this review were to assess the efficacy and safety of methotrexate for maintenance of remission in patients with ulcerative colitis.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL and the Cochrane IBD/FBD group specialized trials register from inception to June 26, 2014. Study references and review papers were also searched for additional trials. Abstracts from major gastroenterological meetings were searched to identify research published in abstract form only.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomized controlled trials in which methotrexate was compared to placebo or an active comparator in patients with quiescent ulcerative were considered for inclusion.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two authors independently extracted data and assessed the risk of bias for each study. The primary outcome was the occurrence of clinical or endoscopic relapse as defined by the primary studies. Secondary outcomes included frequency and nature of adverse events, change of disease activity score and steroid-sparing effect. We calculated the risk ratio and corresponding 95% confidence interval for dichotomous outcomes. Data were analyzed on an intention-to-treat basis. The overall quality of the evidence supporting the outcomes was evaluated using the GRADE criteria.

MAIN RESULTS

Three trials (165 patients) fulfilled the inclusion criteria. One study compared oral methotrexate (12.5 mg/week) to placebo, another compared oral methotrexate (15 mg/week) to 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP, 1.5 mg/kg/day) or 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA, 3 g/day) and the other compared methotrexate (15 mg/week) in combination sulfasalazine (3 g/day) to sulfasalazine. The placebo-controlled study was rated as low risk of bias. The study comparing methotrexate to 6-MP and 5-ASA was rated as high risk of bias and the study assessing methotrexate and sulfasalazine was rated as unclear risk of bias for sequence generation, allocation concealment and blinding. The placebo-controlled study found no statistically significant differences in the proportion of patients who maintained remission. At nine months, 36% (5/14) of methotrexate patients maintained remission compared to 54% (10/18) of placebo patients (RR 0.64, 95% CI 0.28 to 1.45). A GRADE analysis indicated that the overall quality of the evidence for this outcome was low due to very sparse data (15 events). The study comparing combination therapy to sulfasalazine found no statistically significant difference in the proportion of patients who maintained remission. At 12 months, 100% (14/14) of patients in the combination group maintained remission compared to 75% (9/12) of sulfasalazine patients (RR 1.32, 95% CI 0.94 to 0.86), A GRADE analysis indicated that the overall quality of the evidence for this outcome was very low due to unknown risk of bias and very sparse data (23 events). There were no statistically significant differences in maintenance of remission rates between methotrexate and 6-MP or between methotrexate and 5-ASA. At 76 weeks, 14% (1/7) of methotrexate patients maintained remission compared to 64% (7/11) of 6-MP patients (RR 0.22, 95% CI 0.03 to 1.45) and 0% (0/2) of 5-ASA patients (RR 1.13, 95% CI 0.06 to 20.71). A GRADE analysis indicated that the overall quality of the evidence from this study was very low due to high risk of bias and very sparse data. Adverse events reported in these studies included transient leucopenia, migraine, nausea and dyspepsia, mild alopecia, mild increase in aspartate aminotransferase levels, peritoneal abscess, hypoalbuminemia, severe rash and atypical pneumonia

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

The results for efficacy and safety outcomes between methotrexate and placebo, methotrexate and sulfasalazine, methotrexate and 6-mercaptopurine and methotrexate and 5-aminosalicylic acid were uncertain. Whether a higher dose or parenteral administration of methotrexate would be effective in quiescent ulcerative colitis is unknown. At present there is no evidence supporting the use of methotrexate for maintenance of remission in ulcerative colitis. More studies are needed to determine the efficacy and safety of methotrexate maintenance therapy in patients with quiescent ulcerative colitis. Large scale methodologically rigorous randomized controlled trials are needed. These studies should investigate higher doses of methotrexate (e.g. 15 to 25 mg/week) and parenteral administration.

Benefits and risks of combining anti-tumor necrosis factor with immunomodulator therapy in pediatric inflammatory bowel disease

Since the introduction of anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) therapy as treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), care of pediatric and adult patients with IBD has significantly improved. To further improve treatment efficacy and durability, multiple trials have compared the efficacy of combination therapy, using anti-TNF therapy combined with an immunomodulator (a thiopurine or methotrexate), with that of anti-TNF monotherapy with contradicting results. The safety of combined therapy has been questioned after several reported cases of hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma in young patients with IBD so treated. Physicians prescribing anti-TNF therapy to patients with IBD are required to weigh the benefits of combined therapy with its risks. To inform physicians treating children with IBD of these benefits and risks, we reviewed studies in pediatric and adult patients with IBD comparing efficacy, durability, and/or safety of combined therapy with anti-TNF monotherapy.

Methotrexate for induction of remission in ulcerative colitis

BACKGROUND

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease. Corticosteroids and 5-aminosalicylates are the most commonly used therapies. However, many patients require immunosuppressive therapy for steroid-refractory and steroid-dependent disease. Methotrexate is a medication that is effective for treating a variety of inflammatory diseases, including Crohn's disease. This review was performed to determine the effectiveness of methotrexate treatment in UC patients. This review is an update of a previously published Cochrane review.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the efficacy and safety of methotrexate for induction of remission in patients with UC.

SEARCH METHODS

MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL and the Cochrane IBD/FBD group specialized trials register were searched from from inception to June 26, 2014. Study references and review papers were also searched for additional trials. Abstracts from major gastroenterological meetings were searched to identify research published in abstract form only.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomized controlled trials comparing methotrexate with placebo or an active comparator in patients with active ulcerative colitis were considered for inclusion.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two authors independently reviewed studies for eligibility, extracted data and assessed study quality using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. The primary outcome measure was the proportion of patients who achieved clinical remission and withdrawal from steroids as defined by the studies and expressed as a percentage of the total number of patients randomized (intention-to-treat analysis). We calculated the risk ratio (RR) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for dichotomous outcomes. The overall quality of the evidence supporting the primary outcome was assessed using the GRADE criteria.

MAIN RESULTS

Two studies (n = 101 patients) were included in the review. One study (n = 67) compared oral methotrexate 12.5 mg/week) to placebo. The other study (n = 34) compared oral methotrexate (15 mg/week) to 6-mercaptopurine (1.5 mg/kg/day) and 5-aminosalicylic acid (3 g/day). The placebo-controlled study was judged to be at low risk of bias. The other study was judged to be at high risk of bias due to an open-label design. There was no statistically significant difference in clinical remission rates between methotrexate and placebo patients. Forty-seven per cent (14/30) of methotrexate patients achieved clinical remission and complete withdrawal from steroids during the study period compared to 49% (18/37) of placebo patients (RR 0.96, 95% CI 0.58 to 1.59. A GRADE analysis indicated that the overall quality of the evidence supporting this outcome was low due to very sparse data (32 events). There were no statistically significant differences in the proportion of patients who achieved clinical remission and withdrawal from steroids in the study comparing oral methotrexate to 6-mercaptopurine and 5-aminosalicylic acid. At 30 weeks, 58% (7/12) of methotrexate patients achieved clinical remission and withdrawal from steroids compared to 79% (11/14) of 6-mercaptopurine patients (RR 0.74, 95% CI 0.43 to 1.29) and 25% of 5-aminosalicylic acid patients (RR 2.33, 95% CI 0.64 to 8.49). GRADE analyses indicated that the overall quality of the evidence was very low due to very sparse data (18 and 9 events respectively) and and high risk of bias. In the placebo-controlled trial two patients (7%) were withdrawn from the methotrexate group due to adverse events (leucopenia, migraine) compared to one patient (3%) who had a rash in the placebo group (RR 2.47, 95% CI 0.23 to 25.91). Adverse events experienced by methotrexate patients in the active comparator study included nausea and dyspepsia, mild alopecia, mild increase in aspartate aminotransferase levels, peritoneal abscess, hypoalbuminemia, severe rash and atypical pneumonia.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Although methotrexate was well-tolerated, the studies showed no benefit for methotrexate over placebo or active comparators. The results for efficacy outcomes between methotrexate and placebo, methotrexate and 6-mercaptopurine and methotrexate and 5-aminosalicylic acid were uncertain. Whether a higher dose or parenteral administration would be effective for induction therapy is unknown. At present there is no evidence supporting the use of methotrexate for induction of remission in active ulcerative colitis. A trial in which larger numbers of patients receive a higher dose of oral methotrexate should be considered. Currently there are two large ongoing placebo-controlled trials (METEOR and MERIT-UC) assessing the efficacy and safety of intramuscular or subcutaneous methotrexate in patients with active UC which may help resolve the evidence supporting the use of methotrexate as therapy for active of ulcerative colitis.