Maintenance therapy with certolizumab pegol for Crohn's disease

Meta-analysis: Persistence of advanced therapies in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease

BACKGROUND

The expanding options in advanced therapies for ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD) present challenges in treatment selection. Persistence analysis assesses drug durability in real-world settings, acting as a surrogate marker for medication efficacy and tolerance. Unlike traditional comparative studies, persistence analysis provides insights extending beyond the initial year of treatment.

AIM

To provide real-world evidence on treatment effectiveness, tolerability and preferences of physicians and patients regarding various advanced therapies for IBD.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review of observational studies up to March 2023 assessing advanced therapies' persistence in UC and CD. Advanced therapies under examination included infliximab, adalimumab, vedolizumab, ustekinumab, golimumab, certolizumab and tofacitinib. We pooled the persistence of each agent and conducted a meta-analysis to compare the persistence of newer agents with traditional TNF inhibitors (TNFi)-specifically infliximab and adalimumab.

RESULTS

Among 63 observational studies, vedolizumab had the highest 1-year persistence in UC (73.8%, 95% CI: 70.0%-77.6%) and ustekinumab in CD (77.5%, 95% CI: 72.9%-82.1%). Compared to TNFi, vedolizumab demonstrated increased persistence with a relative risk (RR) of 1.30 (95% CI: 1.19-1.41) for UC and 1.14 (95% CI: 1.09-1.20) for CD at 1 year, while ustekinumab demonstrated a RR of 1.15 (95% CI: 1.07-1.23) for CD at 1 year. Vedolizumab exhibited sustained increased persistence in UC over 2 years compared to TNFi (RR: 1.33, 95% CI 1.14-1.54).

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis highlights the superior persistence of ustekinumab and vedolizumab over TNFi, and offers valuable insights for clinicians navigating the challenging landscape of UC and CD therapeutic choices.

First Mexican Consensus on Crohn's disease

INTRODUCTION

Crohn's disease (CD) is a subtype of chronic and incurable inflammatory bowel disease. It can affect the entire gastrointestinal tract and its etiology is unknown.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this consensus was to establish the most relevant aspects related to definitions, diagnosis, follow-up, medical treatment, and surgical treatment of Crohn's disease in Mexico.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Mexican specialists in the areas of gastroenterology and inflammatory bowel disease were summoned. The consensus was divided into five modules, with 69 statements. Applying the Delphi panel method, the pre-meeting questions were sent to the participants, to be edited and weighted. At the face-to-face meeting, all the selected articles were shown, underlining their level of clinical evidence; all the statements were discussed, and a final vote was carried out, determining the percentage of agreement for each statement.

RESULTS

The first Mexican consensus on Crohn's disease was produced, in which recommendations for definitions, classifications, diagnostic aspects, follow-up, medical treatment, and surgical treatment were established.

CONCLUSIONS

Updated recommendations are provided that focus on definitions, classifications, diagnostic criteria, follow-up, and guidelines for conventional medical treatment, biologic therapy, and small molecule treatment, as well as surgical management.

Anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor Therapy and Risk of Kidney Function Decline and Mortality in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Importance

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is associated with adverse clinical outcomes, including chronic kidney disease and mortality, due in part to chronic inflammation. Little is known about the effects of anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) therapy on kidney disease progression and mortality among patients with new-onset IBD.

Objective

To examine the association of incident use of TNF inhibitors with subsequent decline in kidney function and risk of all-cause mortality.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective cohort study used data from the US Department of Veterans Affairs health care system. Participants were US veterans with new-onset IBD enrolled from October 1, 2004, through September 30, 2019. Data were analyzed from December 2022 to February 2024.

Exposures

Incident use of TNF inhibitors.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The main outcomes were at least 30% decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and all-cause mortality.

Results

Among 10 689 patients (mean [SD] age, 67.4 [12.3] years; 9999 [93.5%] male) with incident IBD, 3353 (31.4%) had diabetes, the mean (SD) baseline eGFR was 77.2 (19.2) mL/min/1.73 m2, and 1515 (14.2%) were newly initiated on anti-TNF therapy. During a median (IQR) follow-up of 4.1 (1.9-7.0) years, 3367 patients experienced at least 30% decline in eGFR, and over a median (IQR) follow-up of 5.0 (2.5-8.0) years, 2502 patients died. After multivariable adjustments, incident use (vs nonuse) of TNF inhibitors was significantly associated with higher risk of decline in eGFR (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 1.34 [95% CI, 1.18-1.52]) but was not associated with risk of all-cause mortality (adjusted HR, 1.02 [95% CI, 0.86-1.21]). Similar results were observed in sensitivity analyses.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study of US veterans with incident IBD, incident use (vs nonuse) of TNF inhibitors was independently associated with higher risk of progressive eGFR decline but was not associated with risk of all-cause mortality. Further studies are needed to elucidate potentially distinct pathophysiologic contributions of TNF inhibitor use to kidney and nonkidney outcomes in patients with IBD.

Fragility index analysis for randomized controlled trials of approved biologicals and small molecule drugs in inflammatory bowel diseases

INTRODUCTION

Biologics and small molecules have been increasingly applied in Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). But the robustness of their trials has not been evaluated.

METHODS

We initially collected all the approved biologics or small molecules for CD or UC up to December 1, 2022. Databases were then queried by keywords in chemical name and CD or UC. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in the two-arm, 1:1 design were included. Fragility index (FI) and fragility quotient (FQ) were subsequently calculated.

RESULTS

We included twenty-eight RCTs, including nine pivotal trials listed in approval labels, nineteen non-pivotal trials not included in the labels. The median sample size was 99 [IQR, 60-262] and the median number of loss-of-follow-up (LFU) was 14 [IQR, 8-43]. Pivotal trials in the labels had the median FI of 8 [IQR, 4-14, n = 6] that was marginally higher than non-pivotal trials (3 [IQR, 2-4], p = 0.08). The median FQ was 0.0330 [IQR, 0.1220-0.0466] and 0.0310 [IQR, 0.0129-0.0540] for pivotal and non-pivotal trials, respectively (p = 1.0). The sample size and FI were significantly correlated (Spearman correlation coefficient [r] = 0.56, 95 %CI 0.21-0.78, p = 0.003). The number of total events was also significantly correlated with FI (r = 0.53, 95 %CI 0.17-0.77, p = 0.006). Study p-values were significantly associated with FI (p = 0.01): trials with p-values < 0.001 had the highest median FI of 10 [IQR, 6-17]. No factor was found strongly correlated with FQ.

CONCLUSION

Results from trials assessing administration-approved biologics or small molecules for treating CD or UC were vulnerable to small changes by measuring FI or FQ. Pivotal studies contributing to regulatory approvals exhibited a relatively higher degree of resilience compared to non-pivotal trials.

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

INTRODUCTION

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

AREA COVERED

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

EXPERT OPINION

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

Choosing Therapy for Moderate to Severe Crohn's Disease

The availability of approved therapies for Crohn's disease has significantly increased over the past decade. To choose the appropriate therapy for the patient, ideally head to head studies, and data on positioning could help the provider individualize the decision. Due to the paucity of head-to-head trial data, we turn to network meta-analysis and real-world studies to help guide our treatment choices. Ultimately, the best approach is to consider each patient on an individual basis, taking into consideration the characteristics of their disease, individual risk factors, extra-intestinal manifestations, co-morbid conditions, patient age, cost, and personal preferences. In this review, we summarize the evidence comparing biologic as well as small molecule therapies for the treatment of moderate-to-severe Crohn's disease. We have summarized the evidence in relation to factors such as efficacy, fistulizing disease, pregnancy, infection risk, and co-existing conditions.

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

BACKGROUND & AIMS

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

METHODS

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

RESULTS

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

CONCLUSIONS

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

CLINICALTRIALS

gov numbers, NCT01369329, NCT01369342, and NCT01369355.

A Review of Available Medical Therapies to Treat Moderate-to-Severe Inflammatory Bowel Disease

The treatment armamentarium for inflammatory bowel disease has expanded rapidly in the past several years with new biologic and small molecule-agents approved for moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. This has made treatment selection more challenging with limited but evolving guidance as to where to position each medication. In this review, we discuss the efficacy data for each agent approved in the United States by reviewing their phase 3 trial data and other comparative effectiveness studies. In addition, safety considerations and use in special populations are summarized with proposed algorithms for positioning therapies. The aim is to provide a synopsis of high-impact data and aid in outpatient treatment decision-making for patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

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

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

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

METHODS

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

RESULTS

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

CONCLUSION

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

Ileal inflammation is reduced due to treatment with a metalloprotease from BmooMP-α-I snake venom in an experimental model of Toxoplasma gondii infection

The selection process for advanced therapies in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) must prioritize safety, especially when considering new biologic agents or oral molecule modulators. In C57BL/6 mice, oral infection with Toxoplasma gondii induces intestinal inflammation through excessive tumor necrosis factor (TNF) production, making TNF neutralization a potential therapeutic intervention. Considering this, the present study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effects of BmooMP-α-I, a snake venom metalloprotease isolated from Bothrops moojeni, which could promote TNF hydrolysis, in treating T. gondii-induced ileitis. The results showed that C57BL/6 mice orally infected with 50 cysts of T. gondii from the Me49 strain and treated with BmooMP-α-I exhibited prolonged survival and improved morbidity scores. Additionally, the treatment ameliorated both the macroscopic and microscopic aspects of the intestine, reduced macrophage influx, and decreased the production of inflammatory mediators by mesenteric lymph node cells. These findings provide compelling experimental evidence supporting the ability of BmooMP-α-I to alleviate ileal inflammation. Considering that the currently available therapeutic protocols are not completely effective and often result in side effects, the exploration of alternative strategies involving novel therapeutic agents, as demonstrated in this study, has the potential to significantly enhance the quality of life for patients suffering from inflammatory bowel diseases.

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

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

Insurance Approval Delay of Biologic Therapy Dose Escalation Associated with Disease Activity in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

BACKGROUND

Dose escalation of self-injectable biologic therapy for inflammatory bowel diseases may be required to counteract loss of response and/or low drug levels. Payors often require completion of a prior authorization (PA), which is a complex approval pathway before providing coverage. If the initial PA request is denied, clinic staff must complete a time and resource-intensive process to obtain medication approval.

AIMS

This study measured time from decision to dose escalate to insurance approval and evaluated impact of approval time on disease activity.

METHODS

This was a single-center retrospective analysis of adult patients with IBD prescribed an escalated dose of biologic therapy at an academic center with an integrated specialty pharmacy team from January to December 2018. Outcomes included time to insurance approval and the association between approval time and follow-up C-reactive protein (CRP) and Short Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire (SIBDQ) scores. Associations were tested using linear regression analyses.

RESULTS

220 patients were included, median age 39, 53% female, and 96% white. Overall median time from decision to dose escalate to insurance approval was 7 days [interquartile range (IQR) 1, 14]. Approval time was delayed when an appeal was required [median of 29 days (IQR 17, 43)]. Patients with a longer time to insurance approval were less likely to have CRP improvement (p = 0.019). Time to insurance approval did not significantly impact follow-up SIBDQ scores.

CONCLUSION

Patients who had a longer time to insurance approval were less likely to have improvement in CRP, highlighting the negative clinical impact of a complex dose escalation process.

Colitis-induced upregulation of tumor necrosis factor receptor-2 (TNFR2) terminates epithelial regenerative signaling to restore homeostasis

Colonic epithelial repair is a key determinant of health. Repair involves changes in epithelial differentiation, an extensive proliferative response, and upregulation of regeneration-associated "fetal-like" transcripts, including Ly6a (Sca-1), that represent Yap1 and interferon targets. However, little is known about how this regenerative program terminates and how homeostasis is restored during injury and inflammation. Here we show that, after the initial entry into the regenerative state, the subsequent upregulation of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor 2 (R2, TNFR2, Tnfrsf1b) clears the regenerative signaling and restores homeostatic patterns of epithelial differentiation. Targeted deletion of epithelial TNFR2 in vivo and in colonoid cultures revealed persistent expression of Ly6a, hyperproliferation, and reduced secretory differentiation. Moreover, mice lacking epithelial TNFR2 also failed to complete colon ulcer healing, suggesting that partial resolution of regenerative signaling is essential for the completion of the repair process. These results demonstrate how epithelial cells dynamically leverage a colitis-associated cytokine to choreograph repair.

A Review of Therapeutic Drug Monitoring in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease Receiving Combination Therapy

Background: Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) impacts millions worldwide, presenting a major challenge to healthcare providers and patients. The advent of biologic therapies has enhanced the prognosis, but many patients exhibit primary or secondary non-response, underscoring the need for rigorous monitoring and therapy optimization to improve outcomes. Objective: This narrative review seeks to understand the role of therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) in optimizing treatment for IBD patients, especially for those on combination therapies of biologics and immunomodulators. Methods: A comprehensive synthesis of the current literature was undertaken, focusing on the application, benefits, limitations, and future directions of TDM in patients receiving a combination of biologic therapies and immunomodulators. Results: While biological therapies have improved outcomes, rigorous monitoring and therapy optimization are needed. TDM has emerged as a pivotal strategy, enhancing outcomes cost-effectively while reducing adverse events. While most data pertain to monotherapies, TDM's applicability also extends to combination therapy. Conclusion: TDM plays a crucial role in the treatment optimization of IBD patients on combination therapies. Further research is needed to fully understand its potential and limitations in the broader context of IBD management.

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

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

Management of Perianal Fistulizing Crohn's Disease

Perianal fistulizing Crohn's disease (CD) represents a severe phenotype of CD that is associated with significant morbidity and reduction in quality of life. Perianal fistulizing CD is caused by a complex interplay of genetic predisposition, immune dysregulation, gut dysbiosis, and various unknown physiological and mechanical factors. A multidisciplinary approach is hence required for optimal management . A detailed anatomical description and classification of perianal fistula, including comprehensive clinical, endoscopic, and radiological diagnostic workup, is an important prerequisite to treatment. For simple perianal fistulas, use of antibiotics and immunomodulators, with or without fistulotomy, are appropriate measures. The medical management of complex perianal fistula, on the other hand, requires adequate control of infection before initiation of therapy with immunomodulators. In active complex perianal fistula, anti-tumor necrosis factors remain the most accepted therapy, with concomitant use of antibiotics or immunomodulators enhancing the efficacy. For patients refractory to anti-tumor necrosis factors, treatment with anti-integrins, anti-interleukins, and small molecules is being evaluated. Mesenchymal stem cells, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and exclusive enteral nutrition have also been investigated as adjunct therapies. Despite the expansion of the medical armamentarium, a large proportion of the patients require surgical interventions. In this review, we provide an up-to-date overview of the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and medical management of perianal fistulizing CD. A brief overview of the surgical management of perianal fistulizing CD is also provided.

Therapeutic Antibodies in Medicine

Antibody engineering has developed into a wide-reaching field, impacting a multitude of industries, most notably healthcare and diagnostics. The seminal work on developing the first monoclonal antibody four decades ago has witnessed exponential growth in the last 10-15 years, where regulators have approved monoclonal antibodies as therapeutics and for several diagnostic applications, including the remarkable attention it garnered during the pandemic. In recent years, antibodies have become the fastest-growing class of biological drugs approved for the treatment of a wide range of diseases, from cancer to autoimmune conditions. This review discusses the field of therapeutic antibodies as it stands today. It summarizes and outlines the clinical relevance and application of therapeutic antibodies in treating a landscape of diseases in different disciplines of medicine. It discusses the nomenclature, various approaches to antibody therapies, and the evolution of antibody therapeutics. It also discusses the risk profile and adverse immune reactions associated with the antibodies and sheds light on future applications and perspectives in antibody drug discovery.

Management of Perianal Crohn's Disease

Perianal Crohn's disease affects 25%-35% of patients with Crohn's disease and has proven to be one of the most difficult complications of the disease to treat. Patients with perianal Crohn's disease have lower health-related quality of life scores typically related to pain and fecal incontinence. In addition, patients with perianal Crohn's disease have higher rates of hospitalizations, surgeries, and overall healthcare costs. A multidisciplinary approach is necessary for the successful management of Crohn's disease with perianal fistula. Medical management is required to treat the underlying immune dysregulation to heal the luminal inflammation and the inflammation within the fistula tracts. Current options for medical therapy include biologics, dual therapy with thiopurines, therapeutic drug monitoring, and a close follow-up. Surgical management is critical to drain abscesses before immunosuppressive therapy and place setons when appropriate. Once the patient's inflammatory burden is well managed, definitive surgical therapies including fistulotomies, advancement flaps, and ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract procedures can be considered. Most recently, the use of stem cell therapy in the treatment of perianal fistula has given new hope to the cure of perianal fistula in Crohn's disease. This review will outline the most current data in the medical and surgical management of perianal Crohn's disease.

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

INTRODUCTION

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

AREA COVERED

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

EXPERT OPINION

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

Opportunistic Infections in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease Treated with Advanced Therapies: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Advanced therapies for inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] could potentially lead to a state of immunosuppression with an increased risk of opportunistic infections [OIs]. We aimed to provide an update on the incidence of OIs among adult IBD patients in randomized controlled trials [RCTs] of approved biologics and small-molecule drugs [SMDs]. Also, we aimed to describe OI definitions utilized in RCTs, to ultimately propose a standardized definition.

METHODS

Electronic databases were searched from January 1, 1990, until April 16, 2022. Our primary outcome was incidence rate of overall OIs among IBD patients exposed and unexposed to biologics or SMDs. We also describe specific OIs reported in included trials, as well as definitions of OIs within studies when provided.

RESULTS

Ninety studies were included. The incidence rates of reported OIs were 0.42 and 0.21 per 100 person-years in patients exposed to advanced therapies and placebo, respectively. This was highest for anti-tumour necrosis factors [0.83 per 100 person-years] and Janus kinase inhibitors [0.55 per 100 person-years] and lowest for anti-integrins and ozanimod. On meta-analysis, no increased risk of OIs was observed. None of the studies provided a detailed definition of OIs, or a comprehensive list of infections considered as OIs.

CONCLUSION

Different mechanisms of action may have specific OI profiles. In the absence of a uniform definition of OIs, these estimates are less reliable. We propose a definition to be used in future studies to help provide standardized reporting. When using this definition, we saw significant differences in incidence rates of OIs across mechanisms of action.

Polyspecificity - An emerging trend in the development of clinical antibodies

The essence of the growth and development of therapeutic conventional monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) for the treatment of various disorders is the aptitude of MAbs to precisely bind a target antigen and neutralise or promote its activity. However, the conventional antibodies are monoclonal i.e., both paratopes bind to the same epitope. But most of the pathophysiological conditions are multifaceted, hence targeting/blocking/inhibition of more than one epitope/antigen is more promising than one epitope/antigen. Polyspecific antibodies (PsAbs) have the potential to concurrently bind to more than one target and are the next-generation antibodies that augment efficacy in both clinical and non-clinical contexts. Thus, the trend of engineering and developing various formats of PsAbs is emerging. In this review, we have briefly discussed the importance of antibody polyspecificity and PsAbs approved for clinical use. Subsequently, we have discussed the role of TNF-α and IL-23 in inflammatory diseases and stressed the need for developing anti-TNF-α and anti-IL-23 bispecific antibodies.

Has the therapeutical ceiling been reached in Crohn's disease randomized controlled trials? A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The availability of biological agents for inflammatory bowel disease has increased over the past years. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to explore time trends in clinical response and clinical remission rates in Crohn's disease (CD) patients treated with biologics while discussing the need for new strategies.

METHODS

MEDLINE, Cochrane, and ISI Web of Science databases were searched for randomized placebo-controlled trials with biological agents in moderate-to-severe CD patients. Sub-group and meta-regression analyses compared treatment and placebo by calculating the pooled odds ratios of clinical remission and clinical response, across time categories and publication year. We also estimated the proportion of patients achieving clinical remission and clinical response by comparing both groups according to the publication year.

RESULTS

Twenty-five trials were included in the systematic review, which enrolled 8879 patients between 1997 and 2022. The clinical remission and clinical response odds, in induction and maintenance, have been constant over time, as no statistically significant differences were found between time categories (interaction p-values: clinical remission [induction, p = 0.19; maintenance, p = 0.24]; clinical response [induction, p = 0.43; maintenance, p = 0.59]). In meta-regression analyses, publication year did not influence these outcomes (clinical remission [induction, OR 1.01{95% CI 0.97-1.05}, p = 0.72; clinical response [induction, OR 1.01{95% CI 0.97-1.04]; p = 0.63; maintenance, OR 1.03{95% CI 0.98-1.07}; p = 0.21]), with the exception of clinical remission in maintenance studies, which presented a decreased effect (odds ratio 0.97{95% CI 0.94-1.00}, p = 0.03]).

CONCLUSIONS

Our review highlights that the odds of clinical outcomes in CD patients receiving biological treatment relative to placebo have been stable in the last decades.

Earlier anti-TNF therapy reduces the risk of malnutrition associated with alterations in body composition in patients with Crohn's disease

Background

Anti-TNF therapy has been found to exert an influence on long-term nutritional status and even reverse malnutrition in patients with Crohn's disease.

Aims

to observe the effect of anti-TNF therapy on nutritional status in patients with Crohn's disease, investigate the correlation between the timing of anti-TNF therapy and the human body composition and examine independent body composition factors for predicting malnutrition in these patients.

Methods

This was a retrospective study of 115 patients with Crohn's disease. Body composition parameters were assessed by bioelectrical impedance analysis. The nutritional status of the patients was determined by NRS2002 and MNA.

Results

The BMI, BFMI, FFMI, BCMI, SMI, BMC, intracellular water, protein and BMR were significantly lower in patients without any biologic agents (p < 0.05). Negative correlations were found between BMC, intracellular water, extracellular water, protein and BMR and the interval between the first symptom and first dose by Spearman's correlation analysis (r < 0, p < 0.05). Low BMI (OR 0.602, 95% CI 0.434-0.836, p = 0.002), low FFMI (OR 0.678, 95% CI 0.507-0.906, p = 0.009), and low BCMI (OR 0.564, 95% CI 0.367-0.868, p = 0.009) were independent risk factors for malnutrition in Crohn's disease patients. Anti-TNF therapy tended to reduce the malnutrition probability as assessed by Cox regression analysis (OR: 0.217, 95% CI 0.057-0.821, p = 0.024).

Conclusion

Body composition analysis is predictive of malnutrition in patients with Crohn's disease. Early application of anti-TNF therapy significantly affected skeletal muscle mass, fat mass and bone mineral content, supporting their long-term nutritional status and reducing their probability of malnutrition.

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

OBJECTIVE

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

DESIGN

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

RESULTS

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

CONCLUSION

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

Therapeutic Potential of Bioactive Components from Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi in Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Colorectal Cancer: A Review

Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (SBG), an herbal medicine with various biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antiviral, antibacterial, and antioxidant activities, is effective in treatment of colitis, hepatitis, pneumonia, respiratory infections, and allergic diseases. This herbal medicine consists of major active substances, such as baicalin, baicalein, wogonoside, and wogonin. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) comprises a group of inflammatory conditions of the colon and small intestine, with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis being the main types. IBD can lead to serious complications, such as increased risk of colorectal cancer (CRC), one of the most common cancers worldwide. Currently, there is no cure for IBD, and its incidence has been increasing over the past few decades. This review comprehensively summarizes the efficacy of SBG in IBD and CRC and may serve as a reference for future research and development of drugs for IBD and cancer treatment.

Biologic and Small-Molecule Therapies for Moderate-to-Severe Psoriasis: Focus on Psoriasis Comorbidities

Psoriasis is a systemic immune-mediated disease associated with an increased risk of comorbidities, such as psoriatic arthritis, cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, psychiatric disorders, and malignancy. In recent years, with the advent of biological agents, the efficacy and safety of psoriasis treatments have dramatically improved. Presently, tumor necrosis factor-α inhibitors, interleukin-17 inhibitors, interleukin-12/23 inhibitors, and interleukin-23 inhibitors are approved to treat moderate-to-severe psoriasis. Small-molecule inhibitors, such as apremilast and deucravacitinib, are also approved for the treatment of psoriasis. Although it is still unclear, systemic agents used to treat psoriasis also have a significant impact on its comorbidities by altering the systemic inflammatory state. Data from clinical trials and studies on the safety and efficacy of biologics and small-molecule inhibitors provide important information for the personalized care and treatment for patients with psoriasis. Notably, treatment with interleukin-17 inhibitors is associated with new-onset or exacerbations of inflammatory bowel disease. In addition, great caution needs to be taken when using tumor necrosis factor-α inhibitors in patients with psoriasis with concomitant congestive heart failure, multiple sclerosis, and malignancy. Apremilast may induce weight loss as an adverse effect, presenting also with some beneficial metabolic actions. A better understanding of the characteristics of biologics and small-molecule inhibitors in the treatment of psoriasis comorbidities can provide more definitive guidance for patients with distinct comorbidities.

The incidence, clinical characteristics and serological characteristics of anti-tumor necrosis factor-induced lupus in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

There are concerns regarding anti-TNF-induced lupus (ATIL) in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis about the incidence, the clinical characteristics and serological characteristics of ATIL secondary to anti-TNF agents in IBD patients.

METHODS

Electronic databases were searched to identify relevant studies. Primary outcomes were the pooled ATIL incidence rates in IBD patients treated with anti-TNF agents. Secondary outcomes were the pooled clinical symptoms incidence rates, autoantibodies incidence rates and clinical resolution rates in IBD patients treated with anti-TNF agents.

RESULTS

Ten studies were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled ATIL incidence rate in IBD patients treated with anti-TNF-α agents was 2.5%. The pooled ATIL incidence rate in UC and CD patients treated with anti-TNF-α agents was 1.5% and 1.8%, respectively. The pooled ATIL incidence rate in IBD patients treated with IFX and ADA was 4.5% and 0.2%, respectively. The pooled arthritis, mucocutaneous symptom, myalgia and fatigue incidence rate in IBD patients treated with anti-TNF-α agents was 87.2%, 29.4%, 23.9% and 41.8%, respectively. The pooled ANA rate in IBD patients treated with anti-TNF-α agents was 97.3%. The pooled anti-dsDNA antibody rate in IBD patients treated with anti-TNF-α agents was 73.9%.

CONCLUSION

ATIL has a low prevalence in IBD patients treated with anti-TNF agents. ATIL occurs more frequently in CD patients than in UC patients. Arthritis, fatigue and mucocutaneous lesions were found to be common symptoms of ATIL. Patients with ATIL were more likely to develop ANA and anti-dsDNA.

Certolizumab pegol for maintenance of medically induced remission in Crohn's disease

BACKGROUND

Crohn's disease (CD) is a disease with an impaired immune response characterized by chronic, relapsing-remitting, and progressive inflammation mainly affecting the gastrointestinal tract. Certolizumab pegol (CZP) is a biological agent that regulates the impaired immune response by controlling tumour necrosis factor-α (TNFα). However, the efficacy and safety of long-term administration of CZP for people with CD with inflammation under control are not well understood.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the efficacy and safety of CZP for maintenance of remission in people with CD.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, ClinicalTrials.gov, WHO ICTRP, and conference abstracts from inception to 23 March 2022. We contacted pharmaceutical companies involved with the production of CZP for further relevant information.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing CZP with placebo in adults with CD.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently selected studies and extracted data. The main outcomes were failure to maintain clinical remission at week 26, failure to maintain clinical response at week 26, and serious adverse events. We planned to perform meta-analyses including all available studies if similar enough for pooling to be appropriate and calculated risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for dichotomous outcomes and mean differences with 95% CIs for continuous outcomes. We analyzed the number needed to treat for an additional beneficial outcome (NNTB) and the number needed to treat for an additional harmful outcome (NNTH) to indicate the magnitude of treatment effects. The same two review authors independently evaluated the risk of bias by using the Cochrane RoB 2 tool and evaluated the certainty of evidence using the GRADE framework.

MAIN RESULTS

We identified one study meeting our prespecified eligibility criteria. The included study enrolled 428 adults with CD who responded to induction therapy with CZP 400 mg at weeks 0, 2, and 4. The study evaluated long-term efficacy and safety of CZP administered subcutaneously every four weeks compared with placebo. The proportion of participants who failed to maintain clinical remission at week 26 was 52.3% (113/216) in the CZP group compared to 71.7% (152/212) in the placebo group. Treatment of CZP probably results in a large reduction in failure to maintain clinical remission at week 26 (RR 0.73, 95% CI 0.63 to 0.85). The NNTB was 5 (95% CI 4 to 9). We judged this outcome at low risk of bias. Using the GRADE assessment, we judged the certainty of evidence as moderate due to the low number of events occurred. The proportion of participants who failed to maintain clinical response at week 26 was 37.5% (81/216) in the CZP group compared to 64.2% (136/212) in the placebo group. Treatment of CZP probably results in a large reduction in failure to maintain clinical response at week 26 (RR 0.58, 95% CI 0.48 to 0.71). The NNTB was 4 (95% CI 3 to 5). We judged this outcome at low risk of bias. Using the GRADE assessment, we judged the certainty of evidence as moderate due to the low number of events occurred. The proportion of participants who developed serious adverse events was 5.6% (12/216) in the CZP group compared to 6.6% (14/212) in the placebo group. Treatment of CZP may lead to no difference in serious adverse events compared to placebo when used as a remission maintenance treatment (RR 0.84, 95% CI 0.40 to 1.78). The NNTB was 95 (95% CI NNTH 19 to NNTB 25). We evaluated the risk of bias for this outcome as low. We evaluated the certainty of evidence as low due to the low number of events occurred and the CIs were not sufficiently narrow.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

CZP probably results in a large reduction in failure to maintain clinical remission and response at week 26 in people with CD. The evidence suggests that CZP may lead to no difference in serious adverse events compared to placebo when used as a remission maintenance treatment. However, the current studies are limited to 26 weeks of follow-up and only included adults. Therefore, these conclusions cannot be used to guide longer term treatment or for treatment in children at present.

Health-Related Quality of Life of Patients Treated with Biological Agents and New Small-Molecule Drugs for Moderate to Severe Crohn's Disease: A Systematic Review

Crohn’s disease (CD) leads to a poor health-related quality of life (HRQoL). This review aimed to investigate the effect of biological agents and small-molecule drugs in improving the HRQoL of patients with moderate to severe CD. We adopted a systematic protocol to search PubMed and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), which was supplemented with manual searches. Eligible studies were RCTs that matched the research objective based on population, intervention, comparison and outcomes. Studies in paediatric populations, reviews and conference abstracts were excluded. Covidence was used for screening and data extraction. We assessed all research findings using RoB2 and reported them narratively. We included 16 multicentre, multinational RCTs in this review. Of the 15 studies that compared the effect of an intervention to a placebo, 9 were induction studies and 6 investigated maintenance therapy. Of these, 13 studies showed a significant (p < 0.05) improvement in the HRQoL of patients with CD. One non-inferiority study compared the intervention with another active drug and favoured the intervention. This systematic review reported a substantial improvement in the HRQoL of patients with CD using biological agents and small-molecule drugs. These pharmaceutical substances have the potential to improve the HRQoL of patients with CD. However, further large clinical trials with long-term follow-up are essential to validate these findings.

Conventional Therapies for Crohn's Disease

Crohn's disease is a chronic and progressive immune-mediated disease with increasing incidence worldwide. There are no curative therapies. The primary agents used in the treatment of Crohn's disease are aminosalicylates, corticosteroids, immunomodulators, and biologics. Each agent has different roles in the induction and maintenance of remission of disease. The biologics available include anti-TNF agents, anti-integrins, and anti-interleukins. The choice of initial biologic therapy should be determined through shared decision-making between the patient and provider.

The Optimal Management of Fistulizing Crohn’s Disease: Evidence beyond Randomized Clinical Trials

Fistulizing Crohn’s disease (FCD) remains the most challenging aspect of treating patients with CD. FCD can occur in up to 30% of patients with CD and may lead to significant disability and impaired quality of life. The optimal treatment strategies for FCD require a multidisciplinary approach, including a combined medical and surgical approach. The therapeutic options for FCD are limited due to sparse evidence from randomized clinical trials (RCTs). The current recommendations are mainly based on post hoc analysis from RCTs, real-world clinical studies and expert opinion. There is variation in everyday clinical practice amongst gastroenterologists and surgeons. The evidence for anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy is the strongest in the treatment of FCD. However, long-term fistula healing can be achieved in only 30–50% of patients. In recent years, emerging data in the advent of therapeutic modalities, including the use of new biologic agents, therapeutic drug monitoring, novel surgical methods and mesenchymal stem cell therapy, have been shown to improve outcomes in achieving fistula healing. This review summarizes the existing literature on current and emerging therapies to provide guidance beyond RCTs in managing FCD.

IL-23 Blockade in Anti-TNF Refractory IBD: From Mechanisms to Clinical Reality

Increasing insights into the immunopathogenesis of inflammatory bowel diseases [IBD] have led to the advent of targeted therapies that inhibit crucial mediators of the inflammatory process, thereby widening our available therapeutic armamentarium. Anti-tumour necrosis factor [anti-TNF] agents are still a mainstay of our therapeutic endeavours and the introduction of corresponding biosimilars has further widened their use. Nevertheless, only a subgroup of treated patients benefit from the initiated treatment and there is secondary non-response in the course of therapy. Initiation of subsequent therapy often poses a challenge to the treating physician, as non-response to primary anti-TNF treatment generally characterizes a patient group that is more treatment-resistant, which may be due to the immunological impregnation by prior anti-TNF exposure. At present, there is currently no guidance for the most appropriate second-line therapy after anti-TNF failure. Here, we review the efficacy of secondary biological therapy in anti-TNF-treated patients. We focus on and assess available clinical trial data of the emerging substance class of IL-23p19 inhibitors, which have demonstrated remarkable efficacy not only in anti-TNF-naïve but also refractory patients. We present molecular mechanisms that drive IL-23-mediated resistance to ongoing anti-TNF therapy and discuss the dynamic fluidity of the mucosal cytokine network in the course of therapy that perpetuates the mucosal inflammatory reaction. Translation of these findings into clinical practice might finally lead to initiation of the most appropriate therapy at the right time of the individual disease course, which would have important implications for the patient's probability of response to treatment.

Monoclonal Antibody Therapy for the Treatment of Interstitial Cystitis

An emerging theory regarding the potentially autoimmune nature of painful bladder syndrome/interstitial cystitis (PBS/IC) had led to several studies being conducted to assess the possible therapeutic effect of immunotherapeutic options for PBS/IC. This review presents the available evidence regarding the potential autoimmunity-based pathogenesis of PBS/IC and focuses on a main representative of the immunotherapeutic modalities for PBS/IC, aiming to summarize, evaluate, and present available data regarding the potential therapeutic role of monoclonal antibodies for PBS/IC patients. A non-systematic narrative and interpretative literature review was performed. The monoclonal antibodies included in the review were the anti-tumor necrosis factor-α (anti-TNF-α) agents adalimumab, which showed no difference compared to placebo, and certolizumab pegol, which showed statistically important differences in all outcome measures compared to placebo at the 18-week follow-up visit. Anti-nerve growth factor (anti-NGF) agents were also reviewed, including tanezumab, which showed both positive and negative efficacy results compared to placebo, and fulranumab, the study of which was discontinued owing to adverse events. In summary, monoclonal antibody therapy remains to be further researched in order for it to be proposed as a promising future treatment option for PBS/IC.

Therapeutic Drug Monitoring in Perianal Fistulizing Crohn’s Disease

Perianal fistulas are a common complication of Crohn’s disease (CD) that has, historically, been challenging to manage. Despite the strong available evidence that anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) agents are useful in the treatment of perianal fistulizing Crohn’s disease (PFCD), a significant number of these patients do not respond to therapy. The use of therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) in patients with CD receiving biologic agents has evolved and is currently positioned as an important tool to optimize and guide biologic treatment. Considering the treatment of PFCD can represent a challenge; identifying novel tools to improve the efficacy of current treatments is an important unmet need. Given its emerging role in other phenotypes of Crohn’s disease, the use of TDM could also offer an opportunity to enhance the effectiveness of available therapies and improve outcomes in the subset of patients with PFCD receiving biologics. Overall, there is mounting evidence that higher anti-TNF drug levels are associated with better rates of “fistula healing”. However, studies have been limited by their use of subjective outcomes and observational designs. Ultimately, further interventional, randomized controlled trials looking into the relationship between drug exposure and fistula outcomes are needed.

Is There a Best First Line Biological/Small Molecule in IBD: Are We Ready for Sequencing?

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic, life-long inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal tract. Treatment strategy depends on the severity of the disease course. IBD physicians need to be aware of the life-long treatment options available. The goal is not only to achieve clinical remission but to halt or stabilize the chronic inflammation in the intestines to prevent further structural damage. Therefore, the use of early biologic therapy is recommended in moderate-to-severe IBD patients. However, in the last decade, use of therapeutic drug monitoring has increased considerably, opening an opportunity for sequencing. This review summarizes the available evidence on biologic and small molecules therapy in Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) in different clinical scenarios, including perianal CD, the elderly, extra intestinal manifestations, and pregnancy.

Evidence-based efficacy of methotrexate in adult Crohn's disease in different intestinal and extraintestinal indications

INTRODUCTION

Methotrexate (MTX) is included in the therapeutic armamentarium of Crohn's disease (CD), although its positioning is currently uncertain in an era in which many effective biological drugs are available. No systematic reviews or meta-analysis have stratified the clinical outcomes of MTX according to the specific clinical scenarios of its use.

METHODS

Medline, PubMed and Scopus were used to extract eligible studies, from database inception to May 2021. A total of 163 studies were included. A systematic review was performed by stratifying the outcomes of MTX according to formulation, clinical indication and criteria of efficacy.

RESULTS

The use of MTX is supported by randomized clinical trials only in steroid-dependent CD, with similar outcomes to thiopurines. The use of MTX in patients with steroid-refractoriness, failure of thiopurines or in combination with biologics is not supported by high levels of evidence. Combination therapy with biologics can optimize the immunogenic profile of the biological drug, but the impact on long-term clinical outcomes is described only in small series with anti-TNFα. Other off-label uses, such as fistulizing disease, mucosal healing, postoperative prevention and extraintestinal manifestations, are described in small uncontrolled series. The best performance in most indications was shown by parenteral MTX, favouring higher doses (25 mg/week) in the induction phase.

DISCUSSION

Evidence from high-quality studies in favour of MTX is scarce and limited to the steroid-dependent disease, in which other drugs are the leading players today. Many limitations on study design have been found, such as the prevalence of retrospective underpowered studies and the lack of stratification of outcomes according to specific types of patients and formulations of MTX.

CONCLUSION

MTX is a valid option as steroid-sparing agent in steroid-dependent CD. Numerous other clinical scenarios require well-designed clinical studies in terms of patient profile, drug formulation and dosage, and criteria of efficacy.

Serum drug levels and anti-drug antibodies in the context of dose tapering by interval prolongation of adalimumab, etanercept and ustekinumab in psoriasis patients: results of the CONDOR trial

BACKGROUND

Biologics for psoriasis are registered in standard dosages. In patients with low disease activity, reduction of the dose by interval prolongation can prevent overtreatment, and lower risks and costs. However, fear for increased anti-drug antibody (ADA) formation due to interval prolongation of biologics is an important barrier.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the course of serum drug concentrations, ADA levels, and predictors for successful dose reduction of adalimumab, ustekinumab, and etanercept for psoriasis.

METHODS

Patients were randomized to dose reduction (DR) or usual care (UC) and followed for one year. The course and extent of detectable ADA levels were expressed as proportions/relative risks for DR vs. UC. Association of baseline characteristics with successful tapering was investigated with log-binomial regression analysis.

RESULTS

In total, 118 patients were included. In adalimumab-treated patients, no significant difference in the proportion of patients with relevant ADA levels in DR vs. UC was seen. For ustekinumab, relevant ADA development was absent in both groups. Baseline trough levels were not predictive for successful DR.

CONCLUSIONS

Immunogenicity may not increase by interval prolongation in psoriasis patients with low disease activity. This pilot provides important and reassuring insight into the pharmacological changes after dose tapering of adalimumab, etanercept, and ustekinumab.

A review of the therapeutic management of Crohn's disease

Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory, relapsing-remitting, and progressive gastrointestinal disorder with an often-negative impact on the physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. Over the past two decades, the medical compendium for the treatment of Crohn's disease has increased significantly, enabling treatment beyond symptoms. Indeed, early and timely use of effective medical therapy has been reflected by improved outcomes with reduction in surgery and ability to achieve clinical and endoscopic remission, reduce corticosteroid dependance, and prevent long-term complications in more patients. In this review, we discuss the key milestones in the medical management of Crohn's disease.

How to Choose the Biologic Therapy in a Bio-Naïve Patient with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

The availability of biologic therapies in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is increasing significantly. This represents more options to treat patients, but also more difficulties in choosing the therapies, especially in the context of bio-naïve patients. Most evidence of safety and efficacy came from clinical trials comparing biologics with placebo, with a lack of head-to-head studies. Network meta-analysis of biologics and real-world studies have been developed to solve this problem. Despite the results of these studies, there are also other important factors to consider before choosing the biologic, such as patient preferences, comorbidities, genetics, and inflammatory markers. Given that resources are limited, another important aspect is the cost of biologic therapy, since biosimilars are widely available and have been demonstrated to be effective with a significant decrease in costs. In this review, we summarize the evidence comparing biologic therapy in both Crohn´s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) in different clinical situations. We also briefly synthesize the evidence related to predictors of biologic response, as well as the biologic use in extraintestinal manifestations and the importance of the drug-related costs.

Biologics: how far can they go in Crohn’s disease?

Crohn’s disease is a chronic gastrointestinal inflammatory disorder, characterized by episodes of relapsing and remitting flares. As the disease mechanism becomes better elucidated, there is a significant increase in the number of available biologic therapies. This article summarizes and synthesizes current Food and Drug Administration-approved biological therapy for Crohn’s disease and examines the positioning of medical therapy as emerging biologics break onto the market.

The efficacy of immunomodulators in the prevention and suppression of anti-drug antibodies to anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy in inflammatory bowel disease

The development of biological agents against tumor necrosis factor (TNF) has revolutionized the management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), frequently achieving induction and maintenance of remission in both ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. However, a loss of response due to the development of anti-drug antibodies (ADA) is seen annually in approximately 20% of IBD patients receiving anti-TNF therapy. Current evidence suggests that the use of immunomodulators (IMM), such as thiopurines (azathioprine and 6-mercaptopurine) or methotrexate, may prevent or suppress ADA formation. In this article, we present a comprehensive review of the available literature regarding the efficacy of IMM in the prevention and suppression of ADA development to anti-TNF therapy in patients with IBD.

A Clinical Prediction Model to Determine Probability of Response to Certolizumab Pegol for Crohn's Disease

BACKGROUND

Certolizumab pegol (CZP) is effective for moderately to severely active Crohn's disease (CD). Higher plasma concentrations are associated with better outcomes and increased drug clearance is the driver of subtherapeutic CZP concentrations.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to develop a prediction model incorporating predicted CZP clearance and patient variables to allow estimation of the probability for remission prior to initiating therapy.

METHODS

A population pharmacokinetic model estimated baseline CZP clearance in patients with CD from nine phase II and III trials. Multivariable prediction models were developed and validated using the PRECiSE 1 and PRECiSE 2 datasets to identify candidate predictors for a composite remission outcome (Crohn's Disease Activity Index ≤ 150 and fecal calprotectin concentration ≤ 250 μg/g) at Weeks 6 or 26. An online clinical decision support tool (CDST) was developed.

RESULTS

Baseline predicted CZP clearance ≥ 0.5 L/day was associated with subtherapeutic Week 6 CZP plasma concentrations. Baseline weight (odds ratio [OR] 1.04; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02-1.07), calculated CZP clearance (OR 0.92; 95% CI 0.87-0.96), hematocrit (OR 2.55; 95% CI 1.43-4.54), and fecal calprotectin (OR 0.66; 95% CI 0.54-0.80) were associated with Week 6 remission (p ≤ 0.0015 for all predictors). Baseline weight (OR 1.04; 95% CI 1.02-1.07), calculated CZP clearance (OR 0.93; 95% CI 0.88-0.97), and Patient-Reported Outcome-2 (PRO2) (OR 0.93; 95% CI 0.87-0.99) were associated with Week 26 remission (p ≤ 0.033 for all predictors).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients who are predicted to have accelerated baseline CZP clearance are at risk of subtherapeutic CZP concentrations. Patient-level probabilities for a composite remission outcome can be predicted for patients with CD by entering commonly available patient- and disease-related factors into an online CDST ( https://premedibd.com ) incorporating predicted CZP clearance.

Anti-Drug Antibody Formation Against Biologic Agents in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Immunogenicity with formation of anti-drug antibodies (ADA) to biologics is an important reason for treatment failure in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Our aim was to assess the rate of ADA, the effect of combination therapy with immunomodulators on ADA and the influence of ADA on efficacy and safety of biologics for IBD treatment.

METHODS

MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) were searched from inception to April 2020 for trials of biologics that assessed immunogenicity. The overall certainty of evidence was evaluated using Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE). The primary outcome was rate of ADA. Secondary outcomes included efficacy and safety outcomes among patients with detectable versus undetectable ADA. For dichotomous outcomes, pooled risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated.

RESULTS

Data from 68 studies were analyzed and 33 studies (5850 patients) were included in the meta-analysis. Pooled ADA rates for biologic monotherapy were 28.0% for infliximab, 7.5% for adalimumab, 3.8% for golimumab, 10.9% for certolizumab, 6.2% for ustekinumab and 16.0% for natalizumab. Pooled ADA rates were 8.4% for vedolizumab and 5.0% for etrolizumab for combo- and monotherapy combined. In all biologics, ADA rates were underestimated by use of drug-sensitive ADA assays and higher dose and/or frequency. ADA rate was significantly reduced in patients treated with combination therapy for infliximab (RR 0.52; 95% CI 0.44-0.62), adalimumab (RR 0.31; 95% CI 0.14-0.69), golimumab (RR 0.29; 95% CI 0.10-0.83), certolizumab pegol (RR 0.30; 95% CI 0.14-0.67) and natalizumab (RR 0.20; 95% CI 0.11-0. 39). ADA to infliximab were associated with lower clinical response rates (RR 0.75; 95% CI 0.61-0.91) and higher rates of infusion reactions (RR 2.36; 95% CI 1.85-3.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Differences in analytical methods to detect ADA hamper comparison of true ADA rates across biologics in IBD. Use of combination therapy with immunomodulators appeared to reduce ADA positivity for most biologics. For infliximab, ADA were associated with reduced drug efficacy and increased adverse events.

Comparative efficacy and safety of biologic therapies for moderate-to-severe Crohn's disease: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Data are needed to inform the positioning of biologic therapy in the treatment of moderate-to-severe Crohn's disease, both first line and after previous biologic exposure. We aimed to assess the comparative efficacy and safety of biologics in patients with Crohn's disease.

METHODS

We did a systematic review and network meta-analysis of phase 2 and phase 3 randomised controlled trials done in adults (≥18 years) with moderate-to-severe Crohn's disease (Crohn's Disease Activity Index [CDAI] 220-450) treated with tumour necrosis factor (TNF) antagonists, anti-integrin, anti-interleukin (IL)-12 and IL-23p40, or anti-IL23p19 agents, either alone or in combination with immunosuppressants, as their first-line biologic or after previous biologic exposure, compared with placebo or an active comparator. The minimum duration of therapy was 14 days for trials reporting induction of remission in active disease and 22 weeks in trials reporting maintenance of remission. We searched Medline, EMBASE, the Cochrane CENTRAL Register of Controlled Trials, conference proceedings, trial registries, and unpublished data from inception to June 3, 2021, without any language restrictions. Summary estimates of the primary and secondary outcomes were extracted from the published reports; individual patient-level data were not sought. The primary endpoint was induction of clinical remission in patients with active disease (CDAI <150) and maintenance of remission in patients with response to induction therapy, with data extracted from published reports. A network meta-analysis with multivariate consistency model random-effects meta-regression was done, with rankings based on surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) values.

FINDINGS

The search strategy yielded 18 382 citations, of which 31 trials were eligible for inclusion. On the basis of 15 randomised controlled trials including 2931 biologic-naive patients, infliximab monotherapy (odds ratio [OR] 4·53 [95% CI 1·49-13·79]), infliximab combined with azathioprine (7·49 [2·04-27·49]), adalimumab (3·01 [1·25-7·27]), and ustekinumab (2·63 [1·10-6·28]) were associated with significantly higher odds of inducing remission compared to certolizumab pegol (all moderate confidence); infliximab and azathioprine combination therapy was also associated with significantly higher odds of inducing remission than vedolizumab (3·76 [1·01-14·03]; low confidence). On the basis of ten randomised controlled trials including 2479 patients with previous biologic exposure, adalimumab after loss of response to infliximab (OR 2·82 [95% CI 1·20-6·62]; low confidence), and risankizumab (2·10 [1·12-3·92]; moderate confidence), were associated with higher odds of inducing remission than vedolizumab. No differences between active interventions were observed in maintenance trials. Most trials were at low or uncertain risk of bias.

INTERPRETATION

Although biologic treatment choices in patients with moderate-to-severe Crohn's disease must be individualised for each patient, this analysis suggests that either infliximab with azathioprine or adalimumab might be preferred as a first-line therapy, and adalimumab (after infliximab loss of response) or risankizumab might be preferred as a second-line therapy, for induction of clinical remission.

FUNDING

None.

Tumor Necrosis Factor's Pathway in Crohn's Disease: Potential for Intervention

Crohn’s disease (CD) is a chronic disorder characterized by full thickness patchy inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. The pathogenesis is multifactorial and involves defective innate immune responses, microbiome alterations, and dysregulated activation of the acquired component of mucosal immunity. One of the molecular mediators that is involved at different levels in the initiation and progression of intestinal inflammation characteristic of CD is tumor necrosis factor (TNF). The present manuscript provides a comprehensive review focused on the potential role of TNF in the different phases of CD pathogenesis, particularly in light of its potential clinical implications. Currently available drugs blocking TNF are evaluated and discussed, specifically for open issues that still remain utilizing such therapy. TNF exerts a paramount role in the established phase of intestinal inflammation that characterizes CD patients, and anti-TNF biologics have definitely changed patient management, offering effective and safe options of treatment. Nonetheless, many patients still do not respond to anti-TNF therapy or experience unwanted side-effects. This could partially be due to the role that TNF plays in intestinal homeostasis that is particularly important during the early phase of the inflammatory process. In fact, emerging evidence supporting the dichotomous role of TNF and the identification of molecular markers will guide a more tailored and refined therapy for CD patients in the near future.