Efficacy and Safety of Mirikizumab in a Randomized Phase 2 Study of Patients With Ulcerative Colitis

Clinical Significance of histologic healing in IBD: Evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCT) and real world (RW) data

Histologic mucosal healing (HMH) has emerged as a crucial target in managing inflammatory bowel disease, complementing the established goal of endoscopic mucosal healing. This review evaluates the significance of HMH in both Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). In UC, strong evidence shows that HMH correlates with improved long-term outcomes, including reduced hospitalization rates, and decreased need for corticosteroids and colectomy. Histologic healing is increasingly being incorporated as an endpoint in RCTs. Small-molecule therapies, such as S1P modulators and Jak inhibitors, have demonstrated particular efficacy in achieving HMH in UC. Real-world evidence (RWE) further supports HMH's utility as a predictive marker for favorable clinical outcomes in UC. In CD, however, HMH's role is less clear, given challenges in assessing and standardizing histologic healing. RCTs, such as SERENITY and VIVID, show that advanced therapies can achieve HMH in CD, though inconsistent histologic scoring and remission criteria complicate conclusions. Some studies suggest that histologic remission at induction may predict sustained remission, but real-world data offer mixed results regarding its prognostic value. This review provides an overview of current literature, emphasizing the need for standardized histologic assessment and extended studies, particularly for CD, while affirming HMH's growing importance in achieving deeper remission in UC.

Efficacy and safety of Mirikizumab for ulcerative colitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a widespread incurable chronic inflammation of the colon mucosa. Currently, oral small-molecule medications targeting Janus kinase or sphingosine-1-phosphate and monoclonal antibodies to TNF-α,α4β7 integrins and Ustekinumab are the lines of treatment for UC. Up to 50% of patients either do not react to initial treatment or lose response over time, emphasizing the need for innovative treatment. Mirikizumab, a humanized IgG4-variant monoclonal antibody, binds to subunit p19 of interleukin-23. This systematic review aims to evaluate Mirikizumab compared to placebo in treating moderate-to-severe active UC. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and using the Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome, Study design (PICOS) model for inclusion and exclusion criteria, we systematically reviewed the literature. Our inclusion criteria encompassed randomized controlled trials assessing Mirikizumab efficacy in treating UC across demographics. We employed the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool (RoB1) to investigate bias within included studies across its seven domains. The statistical analysis was conducted using Review Manager Version 5 software. Four studies were included, comparing patients treated with mirikizumab to placebo groups. All doses of mirikizumab administered intravenously demonstrated clinical remission, specifically, the 200 mg and 300 mg doses showed significant efficacy, with risk ratios of 4.74 (95% CI [1.43, 15.69]) and 1.82 (95% CI [1.33, 2.50]), respectively. During the maintenance phase of extension trials, symptoms subsided with a subcutaneous 200 mg dose (RR = 1.46, 95% CI [0.47, 4.51], P = 0.51). To conclude, mirikizumab demonstrates significant efficacy in treating UC, substaintially improving clinical, endoscopic, and histological outcomes.

Efficacy and safety of IL-23 p19 inhibitors in the treatment for inflammatory bowel disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

The treatment outcomes of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have been significantly improved by the advent of new biologics, including ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD), particularly for refractory cases. However, the growing number of therapeutic options has also complicated clinical decision-making regarding drug selection and switching. The overall performance of IL-23 p19 inhibitors for the treatment of IBD was evaluated by the systematic review and meta-analysis in this study.

Objective

The objective of this study was to combine the multiple indicators to accurately evaluate the efficacy and safety of IL-23 p19 inhibitors, aimed to offer an insight into the development of clinical physicians' medication.

Methods

A comprehensive literature review on PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library until June 2024 was conducted in this study, which mainly focused on the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate the IL-23 p19 inhibitors within adult patients with UC or CD. Additionally, the clinical outcomes, endoscopic findings, histological assessments, and safety profiles were aggregated and subjected to analysis by a random-effects model.

Results

Twenty-five RCTs [15 CD, 10 UC] were involved in this study, and it was revealed that IL-23 p19 inhibitors showed significant effects on clinical remission (CR) in IBD, regardless of induction or maintenance treatment (CD, induction: risk ratio [RR] 1.95, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.71-2.23; I2 = 0%, p = 0.68; UC, induction: RR 2.69, 95% CI 1.80-4.03; I2 = 50%, p = 0.09; CD, maintenance: RR 1.24, 95% CI 1.04-1.48; I2 = 0%, p = 0.57; UC, maintenance: RR 2.62, 95% CI 0.92-7.49; I2 = 42%, p = 0.19), and the risk of adverse events (AEs) was similar to that of placebo (CD, induction: RR 0.88, 95% CI 0.82-0.94; I2 = 2%, p = 0.41; UC, induction: RR 0.92, 95% CI 0.82-1.03; I2 = 0%, p = 0.54; CD, maintenance: RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.89-1.13; I2 = 29%, p = 0.25; UC, maintenance: RR 0.96, 95% CI 0.87-1.06; I2 = 0%, p = 0.44).

Conclusion

In IBD treatment, IL-23 p19 inhibitor therapy exhibited effective functions in the inducement and maintenance of clinical and endoscopic remissions, as well as in some histological cases.

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD42024569807, identifier CRD42024569807.

Efficacy and safety of mirikizumab in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

This meta-analysis explores the efficacy and safety of mirikizumab in treating IBD.

METHODS

A comprehensive search was conducted encompassing randomized controlled trials examining the efficacy of mirikizumab in treating IBD across PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science, with a search deadline of November 1, 2023. Quality assessment leaned on the Cochrane manual risk-of-bias evaluation, while Stata 15 undertook the data analysis.

RESULTS

Three randomized controlled studies involving 1602 individuals were finally included. Our meta-analysis suggested that mirikizumab can improve clinical remission (RR = 2.11, 95% CI [1.74, 2.55]), clinical response (RR = 1.68, 95% CI [1.50, 1.89]), endoscopic remission (RR = 1.95, 95% CI [1.65, 2.31]), histologic-endoscopic mucosal improvement (RR = 1.92, 95% CI [1.60, 2.32]) in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

CONCLUSION

According to our meta-analysis, mirikizumab is a promising drug in the treatment of IBD.

Identification of S100A9 as a target for diagnosis and treatment of Crohn's Disease after Vedolizumab treatment failure

The vedolizumab medication is the treatment that precisely targets the gut for Crohn's Disease (CD). It can inhibit the migration of lymphocytes to the intestinal site despite the fact that a significant portion of the population continues to be ineffectively treated. In this study, peripheral blood leukocytes sampled from the CD patients who are nonresponsive or responsive to vedolizumab treatment were used for transcriptome sequencing. Intersected differentially expressed mRNA obtained from transcriptome sequencing and GSE191328 were utilized to predict key therapeutic targets. Bioinformatics analyses were used to explore potential biological mechanisms and to screen pivotal genes. Inhibitor of S100A9 increased the body weight and colon length of mice with colitis, and decreased the DAI score. Our study also demonstrated that the combination of anti-α4β7 integrin antibody with inhibitor of S100A9 further alleviates colitis. Through flow cytometry, changes in the composition of immune cell populations in colon tissues were found after intragastric administration of paquinimod, an inhibitor of S100A9. It is important that blocking S100A9 inhibited the recruitment of neutrophils in the mice's colon. Our findings lay a foundation for the further exploration of the new targets for non-responders to vedolizumab in CD patients.

Artificial Intelligence in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Artificial intelligence (AI) is being increasingly studied and implemented in gastroenterology. In inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), numerous AI models are being developed to assist with IBD diagnosis, standardization of endoscopic and radiologic disease activity, and predicting outcomes. Further prospective, multicenter studies representing diverse populations and novel applications are needed prior to routine implementation in clinical practice and expected improved outcomes for clinicians and patients.

IL23p19 therapies for moderately-to-severely active ulcerative colitis

INTRODUCTION

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic, relapsing and remitting, inflammatory bowel disease. Monoclonal antibodies targeting interleukin (IL)-23p19 have been developed to treat chronic inflammatory diseases mediated by aberrant IL23/Th17 responses, including psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and Crohn's disease. More recently, these agents have been evaluated for the treatment of moderately-to-severely active UC.

AREAS COVERED

In this review, we summarize and discuss phase 2 and pivotal phase 3 clinical trials informing the efficacy and safety of mirikizumab (AMAC, LUCENT, and SHINE), risankizumab (INSPIRE, COMMAND), and guselkumab (QUASAR, VEGA). The literature search included original research publications, secondary publications, and preliminary data from conference abstracts presented at international gastroenterology meetings from the past 5 years.

EXPERT OPINION

The approval of IL23p19 antagonists expands the armamentarium of effective and safe therapies for patients living with moderately-to-severely active UC. These agents demonstrate potent efficacy for both inducing and maintaining symptomatic and objective disease endpoints, including endoscopic, histologic, and biomarker remission. These well-tolerated agents are effective in both advanced treatment-naïve and experienced patients. Accordingly, IL23p19 antagonists have the potential to be used in a diverse population of patients with UC, and as potential platform therapies for future combinations with other targeted immunomodulatory agents.

Introducing a Novel Personalized Microbiome-Based Treatment for Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Results from NostraBiome's Internal Validation Study

Background/Objectives: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), encompassing ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, is characterized by chronic gut inflammation driven by microbial dysbiosis and immune dysfunction. Current therapies primarily involve anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory strategies; however, many patients experience an inadequate response or a gradual loss of efficacy over time. This study evaluates the clinical efficacy of personalized microbiome modulation (PMM)-an AI-driven intervention designed to restore microbial balance and improve key treatment outcomes such as symptom control and remission rates. Methods: This was a single-arm, open-label validation trial involving 27 patients with moderate-to-severe IBD who had experienced prior treatment failure. Participants underwent three months of PMM, which included personalized dietary modifications, targeted probiotic supplementation, and antimicrobial interventions based on gut microbiome sequencing. Primary outcomes included stool frequency and consistency as well as inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein and fecal calprotectin), while secondary outcomes assessed nutritional status, metabolic function, and quality of life. Statistical analyses included paired t-tests and repeated measures ANOVA to determine significant changes over time. Results: PMM led to significant clinical improvements, including a 58% reduction in stool frequency (p < 0.001) and improved stool consistency. CRP and fecal calprotectin levels decreased markedly (p < 0.001), suggesting reduced systemic inflammation. Additionally, iron, vitamin B12, and vitamin D deficiencies improved (p < 0.001), alongside weight gain and increased energy levels. Notably, patients on anti-TNF biologics showed enhanced response rates, suggesting potential synergistic effects between microbiome modulation and biologic therapy. Conclusions: This study highlights PMM as a promising adjunctive therapy for IBD, demonstrating benefits across clinical, inflammatory, and metabolic parameters. While findings support the role of microbiome-targeted interventions in disease management, larger randomized controlled trials are required to confirm the long-term efficacy and applicability in broader patient populations.

Long-Term Safety of Mirikizumab in Patients With Moderately to Severely Active Ulcerative Colitis: An Integrated 2-Year Safety Analysis

INTRODUCTION

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic immune-mediated disease requiring ongoing treatment to maintain remission. This report presents the 2-year safety outcomes of mirikizumab, a humanized immunoglobulin G4 anti-interleukin-23p19 monoclonal antibody, in moderately to severely active UC from phase 3 studies LUCENT-1 (NCT03518086), LUCENT-2 (NCT03524092), and LUCENT-3 (NCT03519945).

METHODS

Patients who underwent induction (LUCENT-1) and maintenance (LUCENT-2), and entered long-term maintenance (LUCENT-3) were assessed in 2 cohorts: induction responders and extended-induction responders. Both cohorts underwent up to 104 weeks of continuous treatment with mirikizumab. Adverse events (AEs) were assessed in these 2 cohorts and within subsets of patients aged 60 years or older and patients using corticosteroids, immunomodulators, or both at baseline.

RESULTS

Safety was generally consistent across induction responders (N = 333) and extended-induction responders (N = 149) and across patient subsets. Nasopharyngitis, COVID-19, arthralgia, UC (worsening/reoccurrence of symptoms), and headache were the most common AEs. Serious AEs were reported in less than 10% of both cohorts. Infections (mostly mild), cerebrocardiovascular events, and malignancies occurred in 47.4% and 49.7%, 0.9% and 1.3%, and 0% and 3.4% of induction responders and extended-induction responders, respectively. Injection-site reactions (induction responders: 10.2% and extended-induction responders: 8.1%) declined over time. Safety profiles in patient subsets and in the whole population were similar, except for hypertension, which was more frequent in patients aged 60 years or older.

DISCUSSION

The mirikizumab 2-year integrated safety profile in patients with moderately to severely active UC was consistent across subgroups and with previous findings, without new significant safety concerns.

Interlukin-23 inhibitors as an induction and maintenance therapy for moderate to severe ulcerative colitis: a systematic review and meta‑analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Targeting the interleukin (IL)-23 axis is an emerging treatment target for ulcerative colitis (UC), with several positive randomized controlled trials (RCTs). We aim to investigate the safety and efficacy of IL-23 inhibitors for the induction and maintenance treatment of moderate to severe UC.

METHODS

A systematic review and meta-analysis synthesizing evidence from RCTs obtained from PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus, and Web of Science from inception to August 2024. We used the fixed-effects model to report dichotomous outcomes using the risk ratio (RR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI).

PROSPERO ID

CRD42024589935.

RESULTS

Four records, reporting four induction trials and three maintenance trials, with 2,699 patients in the induction phase and 1,015 in the maintenance phase, were included. IL-23 inhibitors significantly increased the rate of clinical remission in the induction phase (RR: 2.19, 95%CI [1.72, 2.78]) and maintenance phase (RR: 1.55, 95%CI [1.26, 1.90]); endoscopic remission in induction phase (RR: 1.76, 95%CI [1.41, 2.18]) and maintenance phase (RR: 1.63, 95%CI [1.21, 1.85]); histo-endoscopic mucosal healing in induction phase (RR: 2.06, 95%CI [1.60, 2.64]) and maintenance phase (RR: 1.48, 95%CI [1.14, 1.90]). Also, IL-23 inhibitors significantly decreased the incidence of serious adverse events in the induction phase (RR: 0.37, 95%CI [0.26, 0.55]) and maintenance phase (RR: 0.53, 95%CI [0.33, 0.83]).

CONCLUSION

IL-23 inhibitors are effective as an induction and maintenance therapy for moderate to severe UC based on the significantly increased rates of clinical, endoscopic, and histological remission. Also, the safety profile of IL-23 inhibitors is favorable, with a significantly decreased incidence of serious adverse events compared to placebo.

Mirikizumab in the Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis: Initial Real-World Data in a Population from a Large Tertiary Center

BACKGROUND

Mirikizumab, an anti-p19IL-23 monoclonal antibody, has shown efficacy and safety in treating moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis (UC) in clinical trials. We assessed the effectiveness and safety of mirikizumab for the treatment of UC in a real-world setting.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective observational study of adult patients with UC who were started on mirikizumab for active disease between January 1, 2024, and April 30, 2024. Clinical, biochemical, sonographic, and endoscopic data were collected. The primary outcome was clinical response and remission at 12 weeks, and secondary outcomes included corticosteroid-free remission (CSFR) and biochemical marker improvement at week 12. Adverse events were recorded.

RESULTS

Twenty-two patients were initiated on mirikizumab during the study period, with 20 included in the analysis. The majority were female (65%) and had a median duration of disease of 12 years (IQR 8.0-18.5]. The majority of patients had previously been exposed to three or more advanced therapies (70% of patients) prior to mirikizumab start. Clinical remission (SCCAI < 3) increased from 30% at baseline to 83% at week 12. CSFR increased from 15% at baseline to 78% at week 12. Median SCCAI scores significantly decreased from 3.5 at baseline to 0.5 at week 12 (p < 0.001), driven primarily by an improvement in general well-being and a decrease in urgency. Adverse effects were mild to moderate, with one serious event of streptococcal pharyngitis.

CONCLUSION

Mirikizumab demonstrated significant clinical effectiveness in achieving clinical remission, response, and CSFR in patients with UC.

Efficacy and safety of mirikizumab in psoriasis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

INTRODUCTION

Mirikizumab, an interleukin-23 (IL-23) p19 subunit inhibitor, has emerged as a promising treatment for moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. Despite its promising results, a comprehensive synthesis of clinical data is essential to assess its overall efficacy and safety profile.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane for studies assessing mirikizumab in moderate-to-severe psoriasis. A random-effects model using Inverse Variance (IV) computed mean differences (MD) for continuous outcomes and risk ratios (RR) for binary endpoints. Risk Difference (RD) studies were analysed using generic inverse variance (GIV) in Review Manager. Statistical analyses were conducted using R software version 4.2.1, following PRISMA guidelines.

RESULTS

This analysis of three RCTs involving 1,649 adult patients over 16-52 weeks demonstrated mirikizumab's significant efficacy in treating psoriasis. At 16 weeks, mirikizumab substantially reduced Body Surface Area (BSA) to < 1% (RR: 34.53, p < 0.001) and improved PASI scores (PASI 100 RR: 25.94, PASI 90 RR: 11.50, PASI 75 RR: 10.47, all p < 0.001). Static Physician's Global Assessment (sPGA) scores of 0/1 were achieved (RR: 12.48, p < 0.001). Quality of life measures also improved significantly, with increases in SF-36 Physical and Mental Component Summaries (MD: 4.02 and 3.53 respectively, p < 0.01) and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) scores of 0/1 (RD: 0.51, p < 0.00001). Importantly, the safety profile of mirikizumab was comparable to the control, with no significant differences in the overall incidence of adverse effects (RR: 0.97; 95% CI: 0.86-1.10) or in serious adverse effects (RR: 1.61; 95% CI: 0.55-4.73). These results collectively demonstrate the efficacy and safety of mirikizumab in treating psoriasis, with significant improvements across multiple clinical and quality-of-life measures.

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis demonstrates that mirikizumab significantly reduces psoriasis severity and improves quality of life, with a favourable safety profile. These findings support its use as a valuable treatment option for moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. Further research is needed to assess long-term outcomes and comparative effectiveness.

Biological agents as attractive targets for inflammatory bowel disease therapeutics

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) refers to a group of chronic, recurrent intestinal inflammatory conditions with a complex cause and unclear underlying mechanisms. It includes two main types: Ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD). The conventional treatment of IBD mainly includes 5-aminosalicylates, glucocorticoids, and immunosuppressive drugs, which have their limitations. Recent advancements in IBD research have expanded treatment options, with biological agents playing a key role. Anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha has emerged as the first-line therapy for moderate to severe IBD. Anti-integrin antibodies have also become important for the treatment, and vedolizumab is often used in cases of anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha failure and intolerance to other treatments. Other biological agents are being tested in clinical trials at different stages. This article reviews the efficacy and safety of the primary biological therapies for IBD and provides a comprehensive analysis of the current clinical challenges associated with the disease.

Mirikizumab pharmacokinetics and exposure-response in pediatric patients with moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis

Mirikizumab is a p19-directed anti-interleukin-23 antibody approved for the treatment of adults with moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis (UC). Here, we report the first data of mirikizumab pharmacokinetics (PK) and exposure-response (E/R) relationships in pediatric participants (aged 2 to <18 years weighing >10 kg) with moderate-to-severe UC from the phase II, open-label study SHINE-1 (NCT04004611). PK parameters were analyzed using a model developed previously in adults with fixed-exponent allometry for body weight. Serum samples collected from 26 participants during the 12-week induction and 40-week maintenance periods of SHINE-1 were analyzed. Estimated body weight-adjusted systemic clearance, volume of distribution, and subcutaneous bioavailability were 0.021 L/h, 0.069 L/kg, and 49.8%, respectively. Covariate analysis identified no clinically significant covariates other than body weight. In the exposure range studied, E/R analysis using post hoc grouping by average concentration quartile and comparison of observed change from baseline in modified Mayo Score (MMS) at Week 12 with the adult model prediction revealed no obvious E/R relationship in clinical response, clinical remission, or endoscopic response, consistent with observations in adults. The E/R relationship for observed change from baseline in MMS at Week 12 is also similar to the adult model prediction. The PK modeling and E/R analyses suggested optimal doses of intravenous mirikizumab 300 mg for weight >40 kg, 5 mg/kg for weight ≤40 kg every 4 weeks (Q4W) during induction, and subcutaneous mirikizumab 200 mg (>40 kg), 100 mg (>20 to ≤40 kg), or 50 mg (≤20 kg) Q4W during maintenance therapy for pediatric patients with moderate-to-severe UC.

Combining mechanistic modeling with machine learning as a strategy to predict inflammatory bowel disease clinical scores

Disease activity scores are efficacy endpoints in clinical trials of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) therapies. Crohn's disease activity index (CDAI), Mayo endoscopic score (MES) and Mayo score are frequently used in clinical trials. They rely on either the physician's observation of the inflammatory state of the patient's gastrointestinal tissue alone or combined with the patient's subjective evaluation of general wellbeing. Given the importance of these scores in evaluating the efficacy of drug treatment and disease severity, there has been interest in developing a computational approach to reliably predict these scores. A promising approach is using mechanistic models such as quantitative systems pharmacology (QSP) which simulate the mechanisms of the disease and its modulation by the drug pharmacology. However, extending QSP model simulations to clinical score predictions has been challenging due to the limited availability of gut biopsy measurements and the subjective nature of some of the evaluation criteria for these scores that cannot be described using mechanistic relationships. In this perspective, we examine details of IBD disease activity scores and current progress in building predictive models for these scores (such as biomarkers for disease activity). Then, we propose a method to leverage simulated markers of inflammation from a QSP model to predict IBD clinical scores using a machine learning algorithm. We will demonstrate how this combined approach can be used to (1) explore mechanistic insights underlying clinical observations; and (2) simulate novel therapeutic strategies that could potentially improve clinical outcomes.

Mirikizumab Sustained Impact on Fatigue in Patients with Moderately to Severely Active Crohn's Disease in the Phase 2 AMAG Study

BACKGROUND

Fatigue is a burdensome, under-recognized, multidimensional symptom experienced by patients with Crohn's disease (CD). We evaluated the impact of mirikizumab on fatigue and the association between changes in select patient-reported outcomes and clinical measures with changes in fatigue from baseline to week 104 (W104).

METHODS

Patients (N = 191) were randomized (2:1:1:2) to receive placebo (PBO), 200 mg, 600 mg, or 1000 mg of mirikizumab, administered intravenously (IV) every 4 weeks at W0, W4, and W8. Patients who achieved ≥1 point improvement in Simple Endoscopic Score for Crohn's Disease (SES-CD) and received mirikizumab at W12 (rerandomized maintenance cohort) were rerandomized to continue induction IV treatment assignment (IV-C) or received 300 mg of mirikizumab subcutaneously (SC) until W52. Nonrandomized maintenance cohort had endoscopic nonimprovers (1000 mg) and PBO patients (PBO/1000 mg) who received 1000 mg of mirikizumab until W52. Subjects from the maintenance period with clinical benefit received 300 mg SC Q4W from W52 to W104. The Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue (FACIT-F) questionnaire was used to assess fatigue, and the FACIT-F associations were assessed using Pearson correlation coefficient.

RESULTS

At W12, mirikizumab groups reported improved FACIT-F scores compared with PBO, and improvement was maintained through W52 and W104. Changes in FACIT-F at W52 and W104 had strong correlations with changes at the same time point in quality of life (QoL) scores but lacked correlations with changes in inflammatory biomarkers.

CONCLUSIONS

Mirikizumab treatment significantly improved fatigue in patients with moderately to severely active CD, which was sustained to W104. The improvement in fatigue was correlated with improvement in clinical measures and was strongly correlated with improvement in QoL.

The Future of Clinical Trials in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

The medical management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has been transformed over the past few decades by the approval of multiple classes of advanced therapies and the integration of more targeted treatment strategies for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. These changes have been driven by an increasing number of pivotal randomized controlled trials, which have grown in size and complexity over time. Several landmark studies that are anticipated to change current IBD management paradigms have recently been completed or are on-going, including the first head-to-head biologic trials, advanced combination treatment trials, therapeutic strategy and treatment target trials, and multiple phase 3 registrational programs of novel compounds. Despite these advances, the future of IBD trials also faces major challenges with respect to cost, feasibility, and recruitment. Accordingly, innovative methods for early and late phase randomized controlled trials must be adopted. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the evolution of modern IBD trials, discuss methods for improving trial efficiency in early and late phase development, and provide insights into the interpretation and implications of these data for clinical care.

Risk of Infection in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease Treated With Interleukin-Targeting Agents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at increased risk of infection. The aim of this study was to assess the cumulative incidence and risk of infection in patients with IBD treated with interleukin (IL)-targeting agents.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science for randomized controlled trials including patients with IBD receiving IL-targeting agents compared with patients receiving placebo or treatment that only differed from the intervention arm in the absence of an IL-targeting agent. The primary outcome of interest was the relative risk (RR) of any-grade and severe infection during the induction phase.

RESULTS

There was no difference in risk of any-grade (RR, 0.98; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.89-1.09) or severe (RR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.38-1.10) infection in patients receiving any IL-targeting agent compared with the control group. During the maintenance period, the cumulative incidence of any-grade infection in patients receiving IL-12/23p40-targeting agents (mean follow-up 29 weeks) was 34.82% (95% CI, 26.78%-43.32%), while the cumulative incidence of severe infection was 3.07% (95% CI, 0.93%-6.21%). The cumulative incidence of any-grade infection in patients receiving IL-23p19-targeting agents (mean follow-up 40.9 weeks) was 32.16% (95% CI, 20.63%-44.88%), while the cumulative incidence of severe infection was 1.75% (95% CI, 0.60%-3.36%). During the maintenance phase of the included studies, the incidence of infection was 30.66% (95% CI, 22.12%-39.90%) for any-grade and 1.59% (95% CI, 0.76%-2.63%) for severe infection in patients in the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

There was no difference in risk of infection between patients with IBD who received IL-targeting agents compared with the control group. Case registries and randomized controlled trials reporting the safety of IL inhibitors should provide detailed information about the risk of specific infectious complications in patients with IBD receiving IL-targeting agents.

Targeting the Interleukin 23 Pathway in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Interleukin (IL) 23, a member of the IL12 family of cytokines, maintains intestinal homeostasis, but is also implicated in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). IL23 is a heterodimer composed of disulfide-linked p19 and p40 subunits. Humanized monoclonal antibodies selectively targeting the p19 subunit of IL23 are poised to become prominent drugs in IBDs. In this review, we discuss the pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties of the currently available IL23p19 inhibitors and discuss the mechanistic underpinnings of their therapeutic effects, including the mechanism of action, epitope affinity, potency, and downstream signaling. Furthermore, we address available data on the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of IL23p19 inhibitors in the treatment of IBDs and discuss important studies performed in other immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. Finally, we evaluate the potential for combining classes of biological therapies and provide future directions on the development of precision medicine-guided positioning of IL23p19 inhibitors in IBD.

Helminths in alternative therapeutics of inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, is a nonspecific chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Despite recent advances in therapeutics and newer management strategies, IBD largely remains untreatable. Helminth therapy is a promising alternative therapeutic for IBD that has gained some attention in the last two decades. Helminths have immunomodulatory effects and can alter the gut microbiota. The immunomodulatory effects include a strong Th2 immune response, T-regulatory cell response, and the production of regulatory cytokines. Although concrete evidence regarding the efficacy of helminth therapy in IBD is lacking, clinical studies and studies done in animal models have shown some promise. Most clinical studies have shown that helminth therapy is safe and easily tolerable. Extensive work has been done on the whipworm Trichuris, but other helminths, including Schistosoma, Trichinella, Heligmosomoides, and Ancylostoma, have also been explored for pre-clinical and animal studies. This review article summarizes the potential of helminth therapy as an alternative therapeutic or an adjuvant to the existing therapeutic procedures for IBD treatment.

Histologic and Endoscopic Findings Are Highly Correlated in a Prospective Cohort of Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The advantages of endoscopic vs histologic assessments of inflammation in inflammatory bowel disease remain unclear. We compared endoscopic and histologic inflammation in a prospective cohort. Furthermore, in patients with discordant findings, we compared the ability of endoscopy vs histology to predict disease course.

METHODS

Ulcerative colitis (UC) or Crohn's disease (CD) patients underwent routine colonoscopies with intestinal biopsies, which included ratings of inflammation severity. Tetrachoric correlation analysis between the endoscopic and histologic inflammation ratings was performed. In postsurgical CD patients, major adverse outcomes (MAOs) were recorded.

RESULTS

The analysis included 749 patients (60.2% CD patients), with 2807 biopsied segments. We found high concordance between endoscopist and pathologist inflammation ratings (0.84, 95% confidence interval, 0.81-0.87, p < 0.0001). Only 12.5% of biopsied segments exhibited microscopic inflammation without endoscopic inflammation. Neo-terminal ileum (neo-TI) biopsies exhibited the highest discordance; UC colonic biopsies had the highest concordance. Postsurgical CD patients who completed the 48-month follow-up (n = 138) were included in the survival analysis. The probability of MAO-free survival was significantly higher in patients with a Rutgeerts score of i0 at baseline than in those with higher scores. Microscopic inflammation in the neo-TI did not predict a higher risk of MAOs (p = 1.00).

CONCLUSIONS

In a real-world setting, endoscopic inflammation predicted histologic inflammation with high accuracy. In patients with a Rutgeerts score of i0, microscopic inflammation in neo-TI biopsies did not predict more aggressive disease behavior over the next 4 years. These results have implications for the design of clinical trials, suggesting the use of endoscopic healing as an endpoint.

Differential Efficacy of Advanced Therapies in Inducing Remission in Ulcerative Colitis Based on Prior Exposure to TNF Antagonists

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

We sought to ascertain how prior exposure to tumor necrosis factor (TNF) antagonists impacts treatment response with various classes of advanced therapies in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC), through a systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS

Through a systematic review of multiple databases through June 30, 2024, we identified 17 randomized controlled trials in 8871 adults with moderate-severe UC who were treated with different advanced therapies vs placebo, and reported efficacy in induction of clinical remission, stratified by prior exposure to TNF antagonists. We calculated the ratio of odds ratio of achieving remission with active drug vs placebo, in TNF antagonist-naïve vs TNF antagonist-exposed patients. We grouped advanced therapies based on primary mechanism of action: lymphocyte trafficking inhibitors (anti-integrins and sphingosine-1 phosphate [S1P] receptor modulators), anti-interleukins (interleukin-12/23 antagonist and selective interleukin-23 antagonists) and Janus kinase inhibitors.

RESULTS

Lymphocyte trafficking inhibitors were more efficacious in TNF antagonist-naïve vs exposed patients (5 trials; odds ratio [OR], 1.88; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02-3.49), whereas JAK inhibitors were less efficacious in TNF antagonist-naïve vs exposed patients (6 trials; ratio of OR, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.22-1.01). No significant difference was observed in efficacy of selective interleukin-23 antagonists vs placebo in TNF antagonist-naïve vs exposed patients (6 trials; ratio of OR, 1.07; 95% CI, 0.64-1.80). There was minimal heterogeneity across analyses.

CONCLUSION

There is significant heterogeneity of treatment efficacy with different advanced therapies in inducing remission in patients with UC based on prior exposure to TNF antagonists, with plausible potentiation of JAK inhibitors and attenuation of lymphocyte trafficking inhibitors. Future studies on the mechanistic basis for these observations are warranted.

Efficacy and safety of mirikizumab in patients with moderately-to-severely active Crohn's disease: a phase 3, multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled and active-controlled, treat-through study

BACKGROUND

Mirikizumab, a humanised monoclonal antibody that inhibits IL-23p19, is effective in moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of mirikizumab in patients with moderately-to-severely active Crohn's disease.

METHODS

VIVID-1 was a global phase 3, randomised, double-blind, double-dummy, placebo-controlled and active-controlled, treat-through study. The study enrolled adult patients at 324 sites (hospitals or medical centres, clinical practices, and clinical research sites) in 33 countries across Europe, Asia, North America, Central America, South America, and Australia. Adult patients with moderately-to-severely active Crohn's disease and previous inadequate response, loss of response, or intolerance to one or more approved biological therapies or conventional therapies were randomly assigned 6:3:2 to receive mirikizumab 900 mg intravenously at weeks 0, 4, and 8, then 300 mg subcutaneously every 4 weeks from weeks 12 to 52; ustekinumab about 6 mg/kg intravenously at week 0, then 90 mg subcutaneously every 8 weeks from weeks 8 to 52; or placebo. The coprimary endpoints assessing superiority of mirikizumab over placebo were composite endpoints: patient-reported outcome (PRO) clinical response at week 12 and endoscopic response at week 52 (endoscopic response-composite), and PRO clinical response at week 12 and Crohn's Disease Activity Index (CDAI) clinical remission at week 52 (CDAI clinical remission-composite). The adjusted risk differences were calculated, and the comparison was performed by the Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel test. Non-responder imputation was used. VIVID-1 was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03926130, and is now complete.

FINDINGS

Between July 23, 2019, and Aug 23, 2023, 1150 patients were randomly assigned and received study treatment (safety population); 1065 patients were included in the efficacy population and received mirikizumab (n=579), ustekinumab (n=287), or placebo (n=199). Both coprimary endpoints were met: endoscopic response-composite was reached in 220 (38·0%) of 579 patients on mirikizumab versus 18 (9·0%) of 199 on placebo (99·5% CI 20·6-36·8; p<0·0001); CDAI clinical remission-composite was reached in 263 (45·4%) of 579 patients on mirikizumab versus 39 (19·6%) of 199 patients on placebo (99·5% CI 15·9-35·6; p<0·0001). The incidence rates of overall adverse events and discontinuations in patients treated with mirikizumab were lower compared with placebo. The most common adverse event across the three groups was COVID-19. Serious adverse events were reported in 65 (10·3%) of 630 patients on mirikizumab, 33 (10·7%) of 309 patients on ustekinumab, and 36 (17·1%) of 211 patients on placebo. There were three deaths during VIVID-1, one in the ustekinumab group, and two in the placebo group, including one in a placebo non-responder who switched to mirikizumab after week 12. None of the deaths were considered related to the study drug. The safety of mirikizumab in Crohn's disease was consistent with its known favourable profile.

INTERPRETATION

Mirikizumab was safe and effective as induction and maintenance treatment for patients with moderately-to-severely active Crohn's disease who had intolerance, inadequate response, or loss of response to standard therapy.

FUNDING

Eli Lilly and Company.

Two-Year Efficacy and Safety of Mirikizumab Following 104 Weeks of Continuous Treatment for Ulcerative Colitis: Results From the LUCENT-3 Open-Label Extension Study

BACKGROUND

Mirikizumab, a p19-directed interleukin-23 monoclonal antibody, is efficacious in inducing clinical remission at week 12 (W12) and maintaining clinical remission at W52 in patients with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis. Results are presented from the open-label extension study through W104.

METHODS

Clinical, symptomatic, quality-of-life, and adverse event outcomes are reported for mirikizumab induction responders and extended induction responders, including biologic-failed patients, who entered LUCENT-3, with data shown for W52 maintenance responders or remitters. Discontinuations or missing data were handled by nonresponder imputation (NRI), modified NRI (mNRI), and observed case (OC).

RESULTS

Among W52 mirikizumab responders, clinical response at W104 was 74.5%, 87.2%, and 96.7% and clinical remission was 54.0%, 62.8%, and 70.1% for NRI, mNRI, and OC, respectively. Among W52 mirikizumab remitters, clinical response at W104 was 76.6%, 89.0%, and 98.3% and clinical remission was 65.6%, 76.1%, and 84.2%. Using mNRI, remission rates at W104 for W52 clinical remitters were 74.7% corticosteroid-free, 79.5% endoscopic, 63.9% histologic-endoscopic mucosal remission, 85.9% symptomatic, 59.8% bowel urgency, 80.5% Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire (using NRI), 71.2% histologic-endoscopic mucosal improvement, and 77.5% bowel urgency improvement. Previous biologic-failed vs not-biologic-failed patient data were generally similar. Extended induction mNRI clinical response was 81.9%. Serious adverse events were reported in 5.2% of patients; 2.8% discontinued treatment due to adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic, histologic, symptomatic, and quality-of-life outcomes support the long-term benefit of mirikizumab treatment up to 104 weeks in patients with ulcerative colitis, including biologic-failed patients, with no new safety concerns.

Extended Induction and Prognostic Indicators of Response in Patients Treated with Mirikizumab with Moderately to Severely Active Ulcerative Colitis in the LUCENT Trials

BACKGROUND

Efficacy and safety of mirikizumab, a p19-targeted anti-interleukin-23 monoclonal antibody, for moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis was demonstrated previously. We evaluated clinical response, baseline characteristics, and clinical status in patients not responding by 12 weeks (W) of induction who then received extended induction treatment.

METHOD

Patients unresponsive to 300 mg of intravenous (IV) mirikizumab every 4 weeks by W12 received 3 additional 300 mg IV doses every 4 weeks. Week-4 responders received 200 mg mirikizumab every 4 weeks subcutaneously until W52. Patients responding by W12 but subsequently losing response received rescue therapy with 300 mg IV for 3 doses every 4 weeks. Logistic regression modelling was performed for patients not achieving W12 clinical response to assess baseline characteristics and W12 efficacy parameters and potential prognostic factors of clinical response at W24.

RESULTS

Of patients not achieving clinical response during induction, 53.7% achieved response following extended induction. After 52W, 72.2%, 43.1%, and 36.1% of patients achieved clinical response, endoscopic, and clinical remission, respectively. Of induction responders who subsequently lost response, 63.2% and 36.8% achieved symptomatic response and remission, respectively, after receiving rescue therapy No prior biologic or tofacitinib treatment, no immunomodulators at baseline, age older than 40 years, and W12 modified Mayo Score improvement were positively associated with a response to extended induction. The safety profile was similar to initial induction, with 38.3% treatment emergent adverse events, mostly mild.

CONCLUSION

With "extended induction," total of 80.3% mirikizumab-treated patients achieved clinical response by W24. Potential prognostic factors determining response include disease severity, disease phenotype, C-reactive protein, and previous biologic therapy.

AGA Living Clinical Practice Guideline on Pharmacological Management of Moderate-to-Severe Ulcerative Colitis

BACKGROUND & AIMS

This American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) living guideline is intended to support practitioners in the pharmacological management of moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis (UC).

METHODS

A multidisciplinary panel of content experts and guideline methodologists used the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) framework to prioritize clinical questions, identify patient-centered outcomes, conduct an evidence synthesis, and develop recommendations on the pharmacological management of moderate-to-severe UC.

RESULTS

The AGA guideline panel made 14 recommendations. In adult outpatients with moderate-to-severe UC, the AGA recommends the use of infliximab, golimumab, vedolizumab, tofacitinib, upadacitinib, ustekinumab, ozanimod, etrasimod, risankizumab, and guselkumab, and suggests the use of adalimumab, filgotinib, and mirikizumab over no treatment. In patients who are naïve to advanced therapies, the AGA suggests using a higher-efficacy medication (eg, infliximab, vedolizumab, ozanimod, etrasimod, upadacitinib, risankizumab, and guselkumab) or an intermediate-efficacy medication (eg, golimumab, ustekinumab, tofacitinib, filgotinib, and mirikizumab) rather than a lower-efficacy medication (eg, adalimumab). In patients who have previously been exposed to 1 or more advanced therapies, particularly tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α antagonists, the AGA suggests using a higher-efficacy medication (eg, tofacitinib, upadacitinib, and ustekinumab) or an intermediate-efficacy medication (eg, filgotinib, mirikizumab, risankizumab, and guselkumab) rather than a lower-efficacy medication (eg, adalimumab, vedolizumab, ozanimod, and etrasimod). In adult outpatients with moderate-to-severe UC, the AGA suggests against using thiopurine monotherapy for induction of remission, but suggests using thiopurine monotherapy over no treatment for maintenance of (typically corticosteroid-induced) remission. The AGA suggests against using methotrexate monotherapy, for induction or maintenance of remission. In adult outpatients with moderate-to-severe UC, the AGA suggests the use of infliximab, adalimumab, and golimumab in combination with an immunomodulator over corresponding monotherapy. However, the AGA makes no recommendation in favor of, or against, the use of non-TNF antagonist biologics in combination with an immunomodulator over non-TNF biologic alone. In patients with UC who are in corticosteroid-free clinical remission for at least 6 months on combination therapy of TNF antagonists and an immunomodulator, the AGA suggests against withdrawal of TNF antagonists, but makes no recommendation in favor of, or against, withdrawing immunomodulators. In adult outpatients with moderate-to-severe UC, who have failed 5-aminosalicylates, and have escalated to therapy with immunomodulators or advanced therapies, the AGA suggests stopping 5-aminosalicylates. Finally, in adult outpatients with moderate-severe UC, the AGA suggests early use of advanced therapies and/or immunomodulator therapy, rather than gradual step-up after failure of 5-aminosalicylates. The panel also proposed key implementation considerations for optimal use of these medications and identified several knowledge gaps and areas for future research.

CONCLUSIONS

This guideline provides a comprehensive, patient-centered approach to the pharmacological management of patients with moderate-to-severe UC.

Clinical Trial Design Considerations for Hospitalised Patients With Ulcerative Colitis Flares and Application to Study Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in the NIDDK HBOT-UC Consortium

BACKGROUND

Patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) who are hospitalised for acute severe flares represent a high-risk orphan population.

AIM

To provide guidance for clinical trial design methodology in these patients.

METHODS

We created a multi-centre consortium to design and conduct a clinical trial for a novel therapeutic intervention (hyperbaric oxygen therapy) in patients with UC hospitalised for moderate-severe flares. During planning, we identified and addressed specific gaps for inclusion/exclusion criteria; disease activity measures; pragmatic trial design considerations within care pathways for hospitalised patients; standardisation of care delivery; primary and secondary outcomes; and sample size and statistical analysis approaches.

RESULTS

The Truelove-Witt criteria should not be used in isolation. Endoscopy is critical for defining eligible populations. Patient-reported outcomes should include rectal bleeding and stool frequency, with secondary measurement of urgency and nocturnal bowel movements. Trial design needs to be tailored to care pathways, with early intervention focused on replacing and/or optimising responsiveness to steroids and later interventions focused on testing novel rescue agents or strategies. The PRECIS-2 framework offers a means of tailoring to local populations. We provide standardisation of baseline testing, venous thromboprophylaxis, steroid dosing, discharge criteria and post-discharge follow-up to avoid confounding by usual care variability. Statistical considerations are provided given the small clinical trial nature of this population.

CONCLUSION

We provide an outline for framework decisions made for the hyperbaric oxygen trial in patients hospitalised for UC flares. Future research should focus on the remaining gaps identified.

Comparative Efficacy of Advanced Therapies for Management of Moderate-to-Severe Ulcerative Colitis: 2024 American Gastroenterological Association Evidence Synthesis

BACKGROUND & AIMS

We performed an updated systematic review and network meta-analysis to inform the 2024 American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) Clinical Guidelines on the management of moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis (UC).

METHODS

We searched multiple electronic databases through November 21, 2023, to identify randomized controlled trials in adults with moderate-to-severe UC, comparing different advanced therapies (tumor necrosis factor antagonists, vedolizumab, sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor modulators, interleukin 12/23 or selective interleukin 23 antagonists, and Janus kinase [JAK] inhibitors) against placebo or another active comparator. Our primary outcomes were induction and maintenance of clinical remission, and our secondary outcome was endoscopic improvement. We performed a network meta-analysis using a frequentist approach and applied Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) to appraise certainty of evidence.

RESULTS

After excluding JAK inhibitors as potential first-line treatment (in accordance with the United States Food and Drug Administration), low-certainty evidence supports clinically important benefit with infliximab, ozanimod, risankizumab, and guselkumab over adalimumab and mirikizumab for achieving remission with induction therapy in biologically naïve patients with moderate-to-severe UC, with risankizumab and ozanimod being ranked the highest for induction of clinical remission. With the inclusion of JAK inhibitors as first-line therapy, upadacitinib was more efficacious compared with all other medications except ozanimod and risankizumab, with low- to moderate-certainty evidence. In patients with prior biologic exposure, upadacitinib, tofacitinib, and ustekinumab were ranked highest for achieving remission.

CONCLUSIONS

Using Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation to appraise quality of evidence, this updated network meta-analysis will be used to inform comparative efficacy and positioning of advanced therapies for the treatment of biologic-naïve and biologic-exposed patients with moderate-to-severe UC.

Targeting mucosal healing in Crohn's disease: efficacy of novel pathways and therapeutic targets

INTRODUCTION

Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease affecting the entire gastrointestinal tract with a progressive and relapsing course. Achieving mucosal healing has emerged as a critical therapeutic goal, as it is associated with sustained clinical remission, reduced hospitalizations, and fewer surgery rates. Therefore, targeting mucosal healing is essential for long-term control in CD.

AREAS COVERED

This review evaluates the efficacy of novel biologic therapies and small molecules in inducing mucosal healing, specifically targeting pathways like IL-12/23, IL-23, α4β7 integrins, Janus kinase 1 (JAK1), and sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor (S1PR) in adults (≥18 years) with moderate-to-severe CD. The rationale for selecting these specific pathways is their central role in modulating key inflammatory processes implicated in CD pathogenesis. We compare these therapies with placebo for both induction and maintenance of remission, based on a PubMed literature review for published articles and ClinicalTrials.gov for ongoing trials.

EXPERT OPINION

Upadacitinib and anti-IL23p19 agents (risankizumab, guselkumab and mirikizumab) are promising advanced non-TNF-targeting therapies for inducing endoscopic remission and mucosal healing but further studies are needed to integrate mucosal healing into a broader definition of endoscopic response, with a unified and precise definition.

Mirikizumab: A New Therapeutic Option for the Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis

OBJECTIVE

To review the pharmacologic and clinical profile of mirikizumab in the treatment of moderate to severe ulcerative colitis (UC).

DATA SOURCES

A PubMed search was performed from inception to December 2023 using keywords mirikizumab, interleukin-23 inhibitor, and UC. Information was also obtained from package inserts as well as published abstracts.

STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION

Phase 3 studies plus relevant literature on mirikizumab pharmacologic and clinical profile were reviewed.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Mirikizumab approval was based on LUCENT-1 and LUCENT-2. In the phase 3 studies involving patients with moderate to severe UC, mirikizumab, when compared to placebo, resulted in clinical remission in a significantly higher proportion of patients in both the induction and maintenance phase. In addition, mirikizumab met the secondary endpoints of alternate definition of clinical remission, endoscopic remission, glucocorticoid-free clinical remission, histologic-endoscopic mucosal remission, and improvement in bowel urgency status, bowel-urgency remission, and maintenance of clinical remission. Common adverse events noted include infection (15.1%), injection-site reaction (8.7%), nasopharyngitis (7.2%), and headache (3.3%).

RELEVANCE TO PATIENT CARE AND CLINICAL PRACTICE IN COMPARISON TO EXISTING AGENTS

Mirikizumab is the first selective interleukin 23 (IL-23) inhibitor approved for UC. Additional studies are required to determine how to position mirikizumab in both biologic-naïve and biologic-experienced patients with moderate to severe UC.

CONCLUSION

Mirikizumab provides a novel mechanism of action for the treatment of moderate to severe UC and is another welcomed treatment advance in the treatment arsenal, providing a more selective mechanism of action while maintaining a comparable safety profile.

An evaluation of mirikizumab for the treatment of ulcerative colitis

INTRODUCTION

Treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC) aims to reduce symptoms and complications by decreasing intestinal inflammation. A proportion of patients do not respond to, do not tolerate, or are inappropriate candidates for current therapies. Interleukin (IL)-23 is a therapeutic target and mirikizumabis the first p19-targeted IL-23 antibody approved for the treatment of moderately to severely active UC.

AREAS COVERED

This review summarizes the pro-inflammatory effects of IL-23 and outlines the pharmacokinetics of mirikizumab. It provides a synopsis of the available phase II and phase III evidence for the efficacy and safety of mirikizumab in UC.

EXPERT OPINION

The mirikizumab clinical development program demonstrated its superiority over placebo and its favorable safety profile in the treatment of UC. Its positioning in therapeutic algorithms remains to be fully understood but mirikizumab has proven efficacy in both advanced therapy (AT)-naïve and AT-experienced patients. The inclusion in the license of extended induction for non-responders as well as rescue intravenous dosing allows for flexibility in patient with limited primary response and secondary loss of response.

Network Meta-Analysis: Histologic and Histo-Endoscopic Improvement and Remission With Advanced Therapy in Ulcerative Colitis

BACKGROUND

Histology has prognostic value in ulcerative colitis (UC). However, direct comparisons of histological endpoints are lacking.

AIM

To perform a network meta-analysis (NMA) to compare histological endpoints with biologics and small molecules.

METHODS

We searched four databases up until July 2024 for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) on advanced therapies for moderate-to-severe UC reporting histological endpoints. Outcomes included histological improvement or remission, and histo-endoscopic improvement after induction or during maintenance. We used a random-effects frequentist model and have reported outcomes as relative risk and 95% confidence interval. We estimated relative drug efficacy with the P-score. We conducted subgroup analysis by trial phase and evaluated risk of bias and evidence certainty.

RESULTS

We included 24 RCTs (15 therapies, 8874 patients). Nineteen provided data on induction and 10 on maintenance; outcome definitions were similar. Etrasimod 2 mg/day ranked highest in achieving histologic improvement (P-score 0.98) and remission (P-score 0.90) following induction. Globally, guselkumab 200-400 mg ranked first for histo-endoscopic improvement, while etrasimod 2 mg/day and upadacitinib 45 mg/day were superior in the subgroup analysis. During maintenance, upadacitinib 30 mg/day was superior in achieving histologic improvement and remission (P-score 0.88 for both) and histo-endoscopic improvement (P-score 0.94). Etrasimod 2 mg/day ranked second for histologic remission (P-score 0.70) and histo-endoscopic improvement (P-score 0.73), while mirikizumab 200 mg/month ranked second for histologic improvement.

CONCLUSION

These results support the ability of small molecules to achieve stringent endpoints in moderate-to-severe UC. Histological outcome data for biologics was sparser, particularly during maintenance. Head-to-head RCTs are imperative to better inform clinical practice.

Integration of Gut Mycobiota and Oxidative Stress to Decipher the Roles of C-Type Lectin Receptors in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

BACKGROUND

Ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD) are two subtypes of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) with rapidly increased incidence worldwide. Although multiple factors contribute to the occurrence and progression of IBD, the role of intestinal fungal species (gut mycobiota) in regulating the severity of these conditions has been increasingly recognized. C-type lectin receptors (CLRs) on hematopoietic cells, including Dectin-1, Dectin-2, Dectin-3, Mincle and DC-SIGN, are a group of pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) that primarily recognize fungi and mediate defense responses, such as oxidative stress. Recent studies have demonstrated the indispensable role of CLRs in protecting the colon from intestinal inflammation and mucosal damage.

METHODS AND RESULTS

This review provides a comprehensive overview of the role of CLRs in the pathogenesis of IBD. Given the significant impact of mycobiota and oxidative stress in IBD, this review also discusses recent advancements in understanding how these factors exacerbate or ameliorate IBD. Furthermore, the latest developments in CLR-guided IBD therapy are examined to highlight the modulation of CLRs in fungal recognition and oxidative burst during the IBD process.

CONCLUSION

This review emphasizes the importance of CLRs in IBD, offering new perspectives on the etiology and therapeutic approaches for this disease.

Three-Year Efficacy and Safety of Mirikizumab Following 152 Weeks of Continuous Treatment for Ulcerative Colitis: Results From the LUCENT-3 Open-Label Extension Study

BACKGROUND

Mirikizumab, a p19-directed interleukin-23 monoclonal antibody, has demonstrated induction of clinical remission at week 12 with maintenance through week 104 in patients with moderately-to-severely active ulcerative colitis (UC). Results are presented from the LUCENT-3 open-label extension study through week 152.

METHODS

Of 868 LUCENT clinical trial program mirikizumab-treated induction patients, 544 were responders of whom 365 were rerandomized to mirikizumab maintenance. Of these, 324 completed week 52 and 316 entered extension treatment (286 week 52 responders; 179 week 52 remitters). Efficacy and safety outcomes are reported for mirikizumab-treated LUCENT-3 participants, including biologic-failed patients, with data for week 52 maintenance responders/remitters. Discontinuations or missing data were handled by nonresponder imputation, modified nonresponder imputation (mNRI), and observed cases.

RESULTS

Using mNRI, 81.6% of week 52 responders demonstrated clinical response at week 152. Week 152 remission rates for week 52 responders included clinical (56.1%), corticosteroid-free (CSF; 54.5%), endoscopic (61.0%), histologic-endoscopic mucosal remission (HEMR; 52.6%), symptomatic (74.9%), and bowel urgency (BU; 58.6%). At week 152, 53.3% of week 52 responders achieved histologic-endoscopic mucosal improvement (HEMI) and 74.3% achieved BU clinically meaningful improvement (CMI). Among week 52 remitters, 85.4% showed a clinical response at week 152, with clinical (70.1%), CSF (68.9%), endoscopic (72.0%), HEMR (63.4%), symptomatic (81.4%), and BU (60.8%) remission. At week 152, among week 52 remitters, 64.0% of patients achieved HEMI and 75.6% achieved BU CMI. Stool frequency, rectal bleeding, BU, and abdominal pain score reductions from induction baseline to maintenance week 52 were sustained through week 152 for week 52 completers. Overall, in the safety population, 7.4% of patients reported severe adverse events (AEs); 5.3% discontinued treatment due to AEs. AEs of special interest included opportunistic infection (1.8%), hepatic disorders (3.2%), cerebrocardiovascular events (1.5%), and malignancy (0.3%). Patients with antidrug antibodies reduced over time from 23.6% in year 1 to 3.2% in year 3.

CONCLUSIONS

Symptomatic, clinical, endoscopic, histologic, and quality-of-life outcomes support long-term sustained benefit of mirikizumab treatment up to 152 weeks in patients with UC, including biologic-failed patients, with no new safety concerns.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03518086; NCT03524092; NCT03519945.

Efficacy and Safety of Interleukin-12/23 and Interleukin-23 Inhibitors for Ulcerative Colitis: A Systematic Review Ad Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

BACKGROUND

Targeting interleukin-23 (IL-23) represents a significant therapeutic avenue for treating ulcerative colitis (UC).

STUDY QUESTION

What are the effectiveness and safety of selective inhibitors targeting IL-23p19 and IL-12/23p40 in individuals with moderate-to-severe UC?

DATA SOURCES

MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane databases.

STUDY DESIGN

A systematic search of MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane databases till January 15, 2024, to identify randomized controlled trials comparing IL-23p19 and IL-12/23p40 inhibitors against placebo or active comparators in UC patients. The primary outcome was clinical remission, with secondary outcomes including clinical response, endoscopic remission, and safety profiles during induction and maintenance phases. Using a fixed-effect model, we pooled dichotomous data with risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for analysis.

RESULTS

In 5 trials involving 1120 patients with moderate to severe UC, targeting IL-23 showed significant superiority in inducing clinical remission [RR: 2.08, 95% CI, (1.66-2.61)], endoscopic remission [RR: 1.73, 95% CI, (1.39-2.16)], and histologic remission [RR: 1.88, 95% CI, (1.34-2.64)]. Additionally, individuals treated with IL-12/23p40 or IL-23p19 antagonists maintained clinical remission [RR: 1.85, 95% CI, (1.53-2.23)], endoscopic remission [RR: 2.03, 95% CI, (1.60-2.57)], and histologic remission [RR: 1.66, 95% CI, (1.11-2.48)]. Targeting IL-23 was linked with a reduced risk of any adverse events (AE) during both induction [RR: 0.94, 95% CI, (0.86-1.02)] and maintenance phases [RR: 0.93, 95% CI, (0.86-0.99)], any serious AE during the induction phase [RR: 0.53, 95% CI, (0.36-0.78)], and withdrawal due to AEs compared to patients receiving placebo during induction [RR: 0.24, 95% CI (0.14, 0.43)].

CONCLUSION

Targeting IL-23 demonstrates efficacy and safety for inducing and maintaining clinical and endoscopic remission in moderate-to-severe UC patients.

[Old and New Biologics and Small Molecules in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Anti-interleukins]

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, is a chronic inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract. The introduction of biologics, particularly anti-interleukin (IL) agents, has revolutionized IBD treatment. This review summarizes the role of ILs in IBD pathophysiology and describes the efficacy and positioning of anti-IL therapies. We discuss the functions of key ILs in IBD and their potential as therapeutic targets. The review then discusses anti-IL therapies, focusing primarily on ustekinumab (anti-IL-12/23), risankizumab (anti-IL-23), and mirikizumab (anti-IL-23). Clinical trial data demonstrate their efficacy in inducing and maintaining remission in Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. The safety profiles of these agents are generally favorable. However, long-term safety data for newer agents are still limited. The review also briefly discusses emerging therapies such as guselkumab and brazikumab. Network meta-analyses suggest that anti-IL therapies perform well compared to other biological agents. These agents may be considered first- or second-line therapies for many patients, especially those with comorbidities or safety concerns. Anti-IL therapies represent a significant advancement in IBD treatment, offering effective and relatively safe options for patients with moderate to severe disease.

Mirikizumab Exposure-Response Relationships in Patients with Moderately-to-Severely Active Ulcerative Colitis in Randomized Phase II and III Studies

Mirikizumab is a humanized anti-interleukin-23p19 monoclonal antibody being developed for ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease. We characterized the relationship of mirikizumab systemic exposure with efficacy and safety end points in patients with UC using phase II (NCT02589665) and III (NCT03518086, NCT03524092) trial data. Exposure-response models were developed for clinical remission, clinical response, endoscopic remission, and change in modified Mayo score following induction (50-1,000 mg i.v. every 4 weeks) and maintenance (200 mg s.c. every 4 or 12 weeks) treatment. These models evaluated observed and pharmacokinetic model-predicted mirikizumab exposures as the exposure measure. Key safety event rates were compared across mirikizumab exposure quartiles in the phase III trial. Mirikizumab efficacy in patients with UC showed an apparent positive association with systemic exposure following both induction and maintenance. However, further analysis found this relationship to be overstated by the presence of confounding factors that were not among the tested patient covariates. While prior biologic experience and baseline disease severity showed statistically significant influences on estimated placebo effect, no patient factors affected the mirikizumab effect parameters in any of the phase III exposure-response models. There was no apparent mirikizumab concentration relationship with any adverse event of special interest. When the phase II and III data and confounding are considered together, efficacy was unlikely to be strongly affected by variation in exposures across individual patients at the phase III dose. Together with the previously demonstrated mirikizumab exposure insensitivity to patient factors, these findings indicate that mirikizumab dose adjustment to patient characteristics is not required.

Formyl peptide receptor 1 mitigates colon inflammation and maintains mucosal homeostasis through the inhibition of CREB-C/EBPβ-S100a8 signaling

Excessive inflammatory responses are the main characteristic of ulcerative colitis (UC). Activation of formyl peptide receptor 1 (FPR1) has been found to promote the proliferation and migration of epithelial cells, but its role and therapeutic potential in UC remain unclear. This study observed an increased expression of FPR1 in a mouse model of colitis. Interestingly, FPR1 deficiency exacerbated UC and increased the secretion of the proinflammatory mediator from immune cells (e.g. macrophages), S100a8, a member of the damage-associated molecular patterns. Notably, the administration of the FPR agonist Cmpd43 ameliorated colon injury in a preclinical mice model of UC, likely via inhibiting phosphorylation of cyclic adenosine monophosphate-response element-binding protein and expression of CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein β, which in turn suppressed the secretion of S100a8. In conclusion, these findings discovered a novel role of FPR1 in the development of colitis and will facilitate the development of FPR1-based pharmacotherapy to treat UC.

Anti-IL23/12 agents and JAK inhibitors for inflammatory bowel disease

IBD (inflammatory bowel disease) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract with increasing incidence worldwide. Multiple factors, such as genetic background, environmental and luminal factors, and mucosal immune dysregulation, have been implicated in the cause of IBD, although the cause of the disease remains unknown. IL-12 and IL-23 and their downstream signaling pathways participate in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease. Early and aggressive treatment with biologic therapies or novel small molecules is needed to decrease complications and the need for hospitalization and surgery. The landscape of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) treatment has tremendously improved with the development of biologics and small molecule drugs. Several novel biologics and small molecule drugs targeting IL-12 and IL-23 and their downstream targets have shown positive efficacy and safety data in clinical trials, and several drugs have been approved for the treatment of IBD. In the future, numerous potential emerging therapeutic options for IBD treatment are believed to come to the fore, achieving disease cure.

Consistent efficacy outcomes between phase 2 and phase 3 trials in Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis in adults: a meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

The approval of novel biologic agents and small molecules for the treatment of Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) is dependent on phase 3 randomized controlled trials (RCTs). However, these trials sometimes fail to achieve the expected efficacy outcomes observed in phase 2 trials.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review of RCTs that evaluated biologic agents and small molecules using paired regimens in both phase 2 and phase 3. We searched Medline, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases up until February 13, 2024. The revised Cochrane tool was utilized to assess the risk of bias. A generalized linear mixed-effects model (GLMM) was employed to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) for efficacy outcomes in phase 2 trials compared to phase 3.

RESULTS

We identified a total of 23 trials with 10 paired regimens for CD and 30 trials with 11 paired regimens for UC. The GLMM analysis revealed that phase 2 CD trials had higher outcomes measured by the Crohn's Disease Activity Index (CDAI) by 9-13% without statistical significance: CDAI-150: OR, 1.12 (95% CI 0.83-1.51, p = 0.41); CDAI-100: OR, 1.09 (95% CI 0.88-1.35, p = 0.40); or CDAI-70: OR, 1.13 (95% CI 0.61-2.08, p = 0.66). For UC, two efficacy outcomes were estimated to be equally reported in phase 2/phase 3 pairs: clinical remission: OR, 1.00 (95% CI 0.83-1.20, p = 0.96); endoscopic improvement: OR, 0.98 (95% CI 0.83-1.15, p = 0.79). However, the rate of clinical response was underestimated in phase 2 by 19%: OR, 0.81 (95% CI 0.70-0.95, p = 0.03). The inclusion criterion for the type of Mayo score for UC had a significant interaction with the study phase to influence the difference in clinical response (p = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that the main efficacy outcomes for CD and UC remain consistent between phase 2 and phase 3 trials, except for UC response rates. The efficacy data obtained from phase 2 trials can be considered reliable for the design of subsequent phase 3 trials.

REGISTRATION

PROSPERO (CRD42023407947).

Update for surgeons on novel induction treatments for acute severe inflammatory bowel disease associated colitis

BACKGROUND

The landscape of biologic agents for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) associated colitis is rapidly evolving, requiring surgeons to be up-to-date as part of multi-disciplinary, evidence-based care. An update on novel therapies used to induce remission in IBD-associated colitis is presented.

METHODS

A systematic search through Ovid MEDLINE and CENTRAL using a combination of MeSH terms and Boolean operators was conducted.

RESULTS

One thousand and twenty articles from which 38 articles were selected for inclusion in this review. Novel agents were trialled as 4th or 5th line treatment following conventional treatment failure. Rates of serious adverse effects were low. Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors (upadacitinib and tofacitinib) were efficacious in inducing remission in ulcerative colitis, and IL-23p19 inhibitors (mirikizumab, guselkumab, and risankizumab) in Crohn's colitis. Evidence was limited for other drug classes.

CONCLUSION

JAK-inhibitors and IL-23p19 inhibitors were found to be the most effective agents for inducting remission following failure of standard of care treatment. A significant proportion of patients did not respond, highlighting the inherent challenge in optimizing treatment for moderate to severe IBD-associated colitis. More robust study designs and comparator trials are required.

Cytokine Profile in Predicting the Effectiveness of Advanced Therapy for Ulcerative Colitis: A Narrative Review

Cytokine-targeted therapies have shown efficacy in treating patients with ulcerative colitis (UC), but responses to these advanced therapies can vary. This variability may be due to differences in cytokine profiles among patients with UC. While the etiology of UC is not fully understood, abnormalities of the cytokine profiles are deeply involved in its pathophysiology. Therefore, an approach focused on the cytokine profile of individual patients with UC is ideal. Recent studies have demonstrated that molecular analysis of cytokine profiles in UC can predict response to each advanced therapy. This narrative review summarizes the molecules involved in the efficacy of various advanced therapies for UC. Understanding these associations may be helpful in selecting optimal therapeutic agents.

Efficacy and safety of mirikizumab as induction and maintenance therapy for Japanese patients with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis: a subgroup analysis of the global phase 3 LUCENT-1 and LUCENT-2 studies

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Mirikizumab is a p19-directed anti-interleukin-23 antibody with potential efficacy against ulcerative colitis (UC). We evaluated the efficacy and safety of mirikizumab in a Japanese subpopulation with moderately to severely active UC from the LUCENT-1 and LUCENT-2 studies.

METHODS

LUCENT-1 and LUCENT-2 were phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials of mirikizumab therapy in adults with moderately to severely active UC. LUCENT-1 was a 12-week induction trial where patients were randomized 3:1 to receive intravenous mirikizumab 300 mg or placebo every 4 weeks (Q4W). Patients achieving a clinical response with mirikizumab following the induction study were re-randomized 2:1 to double-blind treatment with either mirikizumab 200 mg or placebo subcutaneously Q4W during the 40-week maintenance study. The primary outcomes were clinical remission at week 12 of LUCENT-1 and week 40 of LUCENT-2.

RESULTS

A total of 137 patients enrolled in Japan were randomized to mirikizumab (n = 102) or placebo (n = 35). Compared with placebo, patients who received mirikizumab showed numerically higher clinical remission at week 12 of induction (32.4% [n = 33] vs. 2.9% [n = 1]) and at week 40 of maintenance (48.9% [n = 23] vs. 28.0% [n = 7]). A greater number of patients achieved key secondary endpoints in the mirikizumab group compared with placebo. The frequency of treatment-emergent adverse events was similar across mirikizumab and placebo groups. Efficacy and safety results observed in the Japanese subpopulation were generally consistent with those in the overall population.

CONCLUSIONS

Mirikizumab induction and maintenance treatments were effective in Japanese patients with moderately to severely active UC. No new safety concerns were identified.

Cardiovascular Evaluation of Etrasimod, a Selective Sphingosine 1-phosphate Receptor Modulator, in Healthy Adults: Results of a Randomized, Thorough QT/QTc Study

Etrasimod is an investigational, once-daily, oral, selective sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor 1,4,5 modulator used as an oral treatment option for immune-mediated inflammatory disorders. This randomized, double-blind, placebo- and positive-controlled, parallel-group, healthy adult study investigated etrasimod's effect on the QT interval and other electrocardiogram parameters. All participants received etrasimod-matched placebo on day 1. Group A received once-daily, multiple ascending doses of etrasimod (2-4 mg) on days 1-14 and moxifloxacin-matched placebo on days 1 and 15. Group B received etrasimod-matched placebo on days 1-14 and either moxifloxacin 400 mg or moxifloxacin-matched placebo on days 1 and 15. The primary analysis was a concentration-QTc analysis using a corrected QT interval by Fridericia (QTcF). The etrasimod concentration-QTc analysis predicted placebo-corrected change from baseline QTcF (ΔΔQTcF) values and associated 90% confidence intervals remained <10 milliseconds over the observed etrasimod plasma concentration range (≤279 ng/mL). Etrasimod was associated with mild, transient, asymptomatic heart rate slowing that was most pronounced on day 1 (2 mg, first dose). The largest-by-time point mean placebo-corrected changes in heart rate from time-matched day -1 baseline (∆∆HR) on days 1, 7 (2 mg, last dose), and 14 (4 mg, last dose) were -15.1, -8.5, and -6.0 bpm, respectively. Etrasimod's effects on PR interval were small, with the largest least squares mean placebo-corrected change from baseline in PR interval (∆∆PR) being 6.6 milliseconds. No episodes of atrioventricular block were observed. Thus, multiple ascending doses of etrasimod were not associated with clinically relevant QT/QTc effects in healthy adults and only had a mild, transient, and asymptomatic impact on heart rate.

Novel and emerging drugs for the treatment of Crohn's disease: a review of phase II and III trials

INTRODUCTION

Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease characterized by unpredictable flare-ups and periods of remission. While several therapeutic options, such as anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF), anti-integrin, and interleukin (IL) 12/23 inhibitors, as well as IL-23 and Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, have been approved for CD treatment, a substantial number of patients fail to respond adequately or experience a loss of response over time. In recent years, the scientific community has been actively investigating novel agents to address these challenges and improve the management of CD.

AREAS COVERED

This comprehensive narrative review provides an overview of recent developments in CD treatment, summarizing phase 2 and phase 3 clinical trial data. We delve into the clinical efficacy and safety profiles of emerging therapies, encompassing JAK inhibitors, IL-23 inhibitors, anti-adhesion molecules, S1P1 receptor modulators, and combined targeted treatments.

EXPERT OPINION

The armamentarium of CD therapeutic agents is constantly expanding. We analyze pivotal findings from phase 2 and phase 3 CD treatment trials. We also underscore the existing gaps in therapy and the paramount role of ongoing research and innovation in CD management.

Machine learning using clinical data at baseline predicts the medium-term efficacy of ustekinumab in patients with ulcerative colitis

Predicting the therapeutic response to biologics before administration is a key clinical challenge in ulcerative colitis (UC). We previously reported a model for predicting the efficacy of vedolizumab (VDZ) for UC using a machine-learning approach. Ustekinumab (UST) is now available for treating UC, but no model for predicting its efficacy has been developed. When applied to patients with UC treated with UST, our VDZ prediction model showed positive predictive value (PPV) of 56.3% and negative predictive value (NPV) of 62.5%. Given this limited predictive ability, we aimed to develop a UST-specific prediction model with clinical features at baseline including background factors, clinical and endoscopic activity, and blood test results, as we did for the VDZ prediction model. The top 10 features (Alb, monocytes, height, MCV, TP, Lichtiger index, white blood cell count, MCHC, partial Mayo score, and CRP) associated with steroid-free clinical remission at 6 months after starting UST were selected using random forest. The predictive ability of a model using these predictors was evaluated by fivefold cross-validation. Validation of the prediction model with an external cohort showed PPV of 68.8% and NPV of 71.4%. Our study suggested the importance of establishing a drug-specific prediction model.

Ulcerative colitis: STRIDE-ing beyond symptoms with new standards

The landscape of ulcerative colitis has changed in the last two decades. Advancements in pharmacotherapeutics have heralded the introduction of new treatment options, with many agents in development. Better clinical outcomes are seen with tighter disease control, made possible with greater understanding of inflammatory pathways and their blockade with drugs. There has been a resultant shift in treatment targets, beyond symptoms to endoscopic and histological healing. Controlling the burden of disease activity also lowers the risk of developing colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer screening now requires the use of dye-based agents and high-definition colonoscopy to improve the detection of colonic neoplasms.

Endoscopic healing is associated with a reduced risk of biologic treatment failure in patients with ulcerative colitis

Increasing number of patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) have received biologic treatment during the last decade. The association between endoscopic healing (EH) and biologic treatment failure remains understudied. Medical information of UC patients who started biologic treatment was retrospectively collected. EH was defined as Mayo endoscopic subscore of 0 or 1. Loss of response (LOR)-free drug continuation rate was compared between patients who achieved EH and those who did not using Kaplan-Meier estimator. Fifty-two patients received 53 biologic treatments and underwent follow-up colonoscopies within 2 years. Thirty-three patients achieved EH, all of which remained on the same treatment without LOR during the observational period. Twenty patients did not achieve EH, 8 of which ultimately discontinued the treatment due to LOR to biologic agents. Kaplan-Meier estimator found a significantly lower drug continuation rate in patients without EH (p < 0.001; log-rank test). A Cox regression analysis identified EH as an independent factor associated with a reduced risk of LOR-related biologic treatment failure irrespective of the types of biologic agents (Hazard Ratio = 0.0324, p < 0.001). EH within 2 years is associated with a reduced risk of LOR-related biologic treatment failure in patients with UC.