Long-term safety and efficacy of certolizumab pegol in the treatment of Crohn's disease: 7-year results from the PRECiSE 3 study

From trial data to personalized medicine: a validated framework with an application to Crohn's disease

Clinical practice is currently guided by studies that average over patient outcomes. This may not be the best approach, as different patients may have different treatment responses. Here we extend a method for simulating clinical trials to identify optimal treatments for each patient, and we illustrate this approach in the context of Crohn's disease. Using the data from 15 randomized trials (N = 5703), we used statistical hypothesis testing to identify seven subgroups with distinct responses to three different drug classes. The largest subgroup consisted of patients with equivocal responses to all drug classes, whereas the second largest showed superiority with anti-TNFs. We also identified a subgroup of women over 50 with superior responses to anti-IL-12/23s. Interestingly, this group appeared under-represented in the trials (2%) compared to patients at the University of California (25%). Overall, these results underscore the importance of studying personalized medicine, demonstrate the value of clinical trial data, and provide a roadmap for applying this method broadly across diseases. These results also highlight the importance of diverse and representative recruitment into clinical trials.

Psoriasis management tree based on comorbidity

Psoriasis, a common chronic inflammatory skin disorder, encompasses various subtypes, including guttate, pustular, erythrodermic, and the most common type, plaque psoriasis. Irrespective of the subtype, psoriasis can manifest with multisystemic presentations, including psoriatic arthritis, metabolic disorders, cardiovascular disease, malignancies, chronic kidney disease (CKD), psychiatric illness, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Many comorbidities and concomitant conditions must be considered when selecting the most appropriate therapy for a patient (Kaushik et al., 2019 and Monks et al., 2021) . Ongoing clinical trials and the development of new therapeutic targets contribute to the continuous improvement of available treatment options. Given the dynamic landscape of therapies, particularly when managing complex patients with multiple comorbidities, dermatologists are constantly challenged with the task of adeptly tailoring treatments to each psoriasis patient. This article systematically reviews the current evidence, presenting it as an updated Psoriasis Decision Tree to assist physicians in selecting tailored treatment options.

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.

How Far Can Conversational Agents Contribute to IBD Patient Health Care—A Review of the Literature

Modern societies are facing health and healthcare challenges as never seen before. The digital world in which we are living today considers digital health interventions such as “internet-delivered” therapy (e-Therapy) or mobile apps as an integrated part of healthcare systems. Digital transformation in health care requires the active involvement of patients as the central part of healthcare interventions. In the case of chronic health conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), it is believed that the adoption of new digital tools helps to maintain and extend the health and care of patients, optimizing the course of the treatment of the disease. The study goal was to undertake a literature review associating the use of chatbot technology with IBD patients' health care. This study intends to support digital product developments, mainly chatbot for IBD or other chronic diseases. The work was carried out through two literature review phases. The first one was based on a systematic approach and the second was a scoping review focused only on Frontiers Journals. This review followed a planned protocol for search and selection strategy that was created by a research team discussion. Chatbot technology for chronic disease self-management can have high acceptance and usability levels. The more interaction with a chatbot, the more patients are able to increase their self-care practice, but there is a challenge. The chatbot ontology to personalize the communication still needed to have strong guidelines helping other researchers to define which Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) should be used in the chatbots to improve the user satisfaction, engagement, and dialog quality. The literature review showed us both evidence and success of these tools in other health disorders. Some of them revealed a huge potential for conversational agents as a part of digital health interventions.

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.

Saudi consensus statement on biologic treatment of chronic plaque psoriasis (2020)

Psoriasis is a common chronic and complex inflammatory skin disease that affects over 125 million people worldwide. Management of psoriasis in daily clinical practice in Saudi Arabia is variable. Local preferences for management differ, which may have a bearing on the treatment selection. Biologic therapy is now a well-established strategy for managing moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. There is a clear need for national consensus statements due to the extended role and high availability of literature on these agents. As a result of an initiative of the Ministry of Health, a multidisciplinary expert panel of dermatologists and pharmacists with practical experience in the clinical management of psoriasis were invited to be part of a work group to update the previous practical guidelines on the biologic treatment of psoriasis published in the Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2014. The overall aim of this consensus document is to deliver evidence-based recommendations on the use, screening, and monitoring of biologic therapy in patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. These recommendations also address the use of biologic therapy in special patient populations. They were developed after rigorous evaluation of existing international guidelines as well as the latest emerging evidence. Updates of the present consensus document will be provided as needed to incorporate new data or agents.

Three-year efficacy and safety of certolizumab pegol for the treatment of plaque psoriasis: results from the randomized phase 3 CIMPACT trial

Background

Certolizumab pegol (CZP) is an Fc‐free, PEGylated anti‐tumor necrosis factor biologic.

Objectives

To report 3‐year outcomes from the CIMPACT (NCT02346240) phase 3, CZP in moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, randomized controlled trial.

Methods

Adults were randomized 3:3:3:1 to CZP 200 mg every other week (Q2W), CZP 400 mg Q2W, etanercept biweekly or placebo. At Week 16, CZP‐ and etanercept‐treated PASI 75 responders were re‐randomized to CZP 200 mg Q2W, CZP 400 mg Q4W, CZP 400 mg Q2W or placebo for maintenance treatment; PASI 75 non‐responders entered an open‐label escape CZP 400 mg Q2W arm. Patients entering the open‐label extension (OLE; Weeks 48–144) from blinded treatment received CZP 200 mg Q2W.

Results

Double‐blinded results have been reported previously. 261 patients received 200 mg Q2W upon OLE entry. PASI 75 response was maintained in patients continuing 200 mg Q2W treatment through Weeks 16–144 (Week 144: 96.2%). In patients dosed down at Week 48 (double‐blinded 400 mg to 200 mg Q2W), PASI 75 decreased (Week 48: 98.7%; Week 144: 85.9%). In patients who received placebo through Weeks 16–48, PASI 75 response decreased (Week 48: 60.4%), then increased following Week 48 switch to 200 mg Q2W (Week 144: 95.1%). 48 and 36 patients initially randomized to 200 and 400 mg Q2W, respectively, were Week 16 PASI 75 non‐responders and entered the escape arm; at Week 144, 71.8% and 78.2% achieved PASI 75. No new safety signals were identified.

Conclusions

Response to CZP was durable over three years; no new safety signals were identified.

Certolizumab Trough Levels and Antibodies in Crohn Disease: A Single-Center Experience

Background

Certolizumab pegol (CZP) has been successfully used for the treatment of Crohn disease (CD); however, real-world data regarding the utility of CZP trough levels (CTLs) are lacking. We aimed to correlate CTL with CD outcomes and to determine frequency of CZP antibodies.

Methods

Retrospective evaluation of all CD patients on maintenance CZP with CTL obtained between 2016 and 2019. Outcomes included: median CTL, presence of anti-CZP antibodies, biochemical response (BR), clinical response (CR), radiologic response (RR), radiologic healing (RH), and mucosal healing (MH).

Results

Seventy-seven CD patients were included. Median CTL was 18.9 µg/mL (interquartile range, 7.6-35.4). Twenty-three patients (27.3%) had positive antibody levels, with lower median CTL compared to patients with no antibodies (0.0 vs 29.8; P < 0.0001). Median CTL levels were higher in patients with vs without CR (30.4 vs 10.3 µg/mL; P = 0.0015) and RR (29.6 vs 5.8 µg/mL; P = 0.006). CZP dosing at least every 2 weeks was associated with higher odds of achieving MH (odds ratio, 3.2; 95% confidence interval, 1.03-9.97). CTL resulted in change in clinical management in 62.7% of cases and presence of CMZ antibodies was associated with an odds ratio of 5.83 (95% confidence interval, 1.57-21.73) of change in management. Receiver operating characteristic curve and quartile analysis suggested that CTL >19 µg/mL is associated with increased rates of CR and RR.

Conclusions

Higher CTL was significantly associated with CR and RR. The rate of CZP antibodies was 27.3%. Our data suggest maintenance CTL of ≥19 µg/mL should be achieved in order to optimize outcomes in clinical practice.

Long-term efficacy of certolizumab pegol for the treatment of plaque psoriasis: 3-year results from two randomized phase III trials (CIMPASI-1 and CIMPASI-2)

Background

Certolizumab pegol (CZP) is an Fc‐free, PEGylated anti‐tumour necrosis factor biologic.

Objectives

To report the 3‐year efficacy of CZP in plaque psoriasis, pooled from the CIMPASI‐1 (NCT02326298) and CIMPASI‐2 (NCT02326272) phase III trials.

Methods

Adults with moderate‐to‐severe psoriasis for ≥ 6 months were randomized 2 : 2 : 1 to CZP 200 mg, CZP 400 mg or placebo, every 2 weeks (Q2W) for up to 48 weeks. Patients entering the open‐label period (weeks 48–144) from double‐blinded CZP initially received CZP 200 mg Q2W. Patients not achieving ≥ 50% improvement in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI 50) at week 16 entered an open‐label CZP 400 mg Q2W escape arm (weeks 16–144). Dose adjustments based on PASI response were permitted during open‐label treatment. Outcomes included PASI 75, PASI 90 and Physician’s Global Assessment (PGA) 0/1 responder rates, based on a logistic regression model (missing data imputed using Markov Chain Monte Carlo methodology).

Results

In total, 186 patients were randomized to CZP 200 mg Q2W and 175 to CZP 400 mg Q2W. At week 48, PASI 75/90 was achieved by 72·7%/51·3% of patients randomized to CZP 200 mg and 84·4%/62·7% randomized to CZP 400 mg. Patients entering the open‐label period at week 48, from blinded treatment, received CZP 200 mg Q2W. At week 144, PASI 75/90 was achieved by 70·6%/48·7% patients randomized to CZP 200 mg and 72·9%/42·7% randomized to CZP 400 mg. At week 16, 72 placebo‐randomized patients entered the CZP 400 mg Q2W escape arm; 75.7%/58.5% achieved PASI 75/90 at week 144.

Conclusions

Both CZP 200 mg and 400 mg Q2W demonstrated sustained, durable efficacy, with numerically higher responses for some outcomes with 400 mg Q2W.

What is already known about this topic?

Certolizumab pegol is an Fc‐free, PEGylated, anti‐tumour necrosis factor biologic approved for adults with moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis.

Efficacy data from the first 48 weeks of phase III trials have shown significant improvements in the signs and symptoms of psoriasis with certolizumab pegol dosed at either 400 mg or 200 mg every 2 weeks.

Numerically greater improvements were observed for patients treated with the higher dose.

What does this study add?

Plaque psoriasis is a chronic, systemic disease that requires long‐term management and sustained efficacy of therapies.

Three‐year efficacy data pooled from the CIMPASI‐1 and CIMPASI‐2 phase III trials demonstrate a sustained and durable response to certolizumab pegol dosed at either 400 mg or 200 mg every 2 weeks.

Additional long‐term clinical benefits may be obtained from the higher dose.

Linked Comment: Johnson et al. Br J Dermatol 2021; 184:588–589.

Infectious Complications of Biological and Small Molecule Targeted Immunomodulatory Therapies

The past 2 decades have seen a revolution in our approach to therapeutic immunosuppression. We have moved from relying on broadly active traditional medications, such as prednisolone or methotrexate, toward more specific agents that often target a single receptor, cytokine, or cell type, using monoclonal antibodies, fusion proteins, or targeted small molecules. This change has transformed the treatment of many conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, cancers, asthma, and inflammatory bowel disease, but along with the benefits have come risks. Contrary to the hope that these more specific agents would have minimal and predictable infectious sequelae, infectious complications have emerged as a major stumbling block for many of these agents. Furthermore, the growing number and complexity of available biologic agents makes it difficult for clinicians to maintain current knowledge, and most review articles focus on a particular target disease or class of agent. In this article, we review the current state of knowledge about infectious complications of biologic and small molecule immunomodulatory agents, aiming to create a single resource relevant to a broad range of clinicians and researchers. For each of 19 classes of agent, we discuss the mechanism of action, the risk and types of infectious complications, and recommendations for prevention of infection.

Global Prevalence and Bidirectional Association Between Psoriasis and Inflammatory Bowel Disease-A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Epidemiological studies have established an association between psoriasis and inflammatory bowel disease [IBD], i.e. ulcerative colitis [UC] and Crohn's disease [CD], but results are inconsistent. The aim of this study was therefore to quantify the prevalences and association between IBD and psoriasis.

METHODS

PubMed, Web of Science, and EMBASE were searched from database inception through April 2018 for studies reporting data on psoriasis among patients with IBD and vice versa. Meta-analysis was performed to estimate, respectively, the prevalences and association between IBD and psoriasis. Data extraction was according to the PRISMA guideline, and quality assessment was made using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. The main outcomes were the proportion of psoriasis patients with IBD and vice versa, as well as the association (odds ratio [OR]) of IBD in psoriasis and psoriasis in IBD, respectively.

RESULTS

Based on quantitative analysis of 93 studies, the prevalence of psoriasis in CD and in UC was 3.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 3.1%-4.6%) and 2.8% [95% CI 2.0%-3.8%] respectively. The prevalence of CD and UC was 0.7% [95% CI 0.2%-1.3%] and 0.5% [95% CI 0.3%-0.8%], respectively, among patients with psoriasis. Presence of CD or UC was significantly associated with psoriasis, with OR 2.0 [95% CI 1.4-2.9] and OR 1.5 [95% CI 1.2-2.0], respectively. Presence of psoriasis was significantly associated with CD: OR 2.2 [95% CI 1.6-3.1] and with UC: OR 1.6 [95% CI 1.3-2.0].

CONCLUSIONS

We found significant bidirectional associations between psoriasis and IBD, warranting increased awareness among clinicians in the diagnostic process, especially in children and adolescents with IBD. Last, this study showed an increased frequency of paradoxical psoriasis in patients treated with biologics.

Passive Monoclonal and Polyclonal Antibody Therapies

Passive antibody therapies have a long history of use. In the 19th century, antibodies from xenographic sources of polyclonal antibodies were used to treat infections (diphtheria). They were used often as protection from infectious agents and toxins. Complications related to their use involved development of immune complexes and severe allergic reactions. As a result, human source plasma for polyclonal antibodies became the preferential source for antibodies. They are used to treat infection, remove toxins, prevent hemolytic disease of the newborn, modify inflammatory reactions, and control autoimmune diseases. Continued improvements in processing decreased the transfusion/infusion transmission of infections. In the late 20th century (∼1986), monoclonal antibodies were developed. The first monoclonal antibodies were of xenographic source and were wrought with problems of immunogenicity. These forms of antibodies did not gain favor until chimerization took pace in the mid-1990s and in 1998 two monoclonal antibodies were approved one to treat respiratory syncytial virus and the other for breast cancers. Further development of humanized and then fully human monoclonal antibodies has led to an evolution of therapies with these agents. Monoclonal antibodies are being researched or approved to treat a multitude of diseases to include oncologic, inflammatory, autoimmune, cardiovascular, respiratory, neurologic, allergic, benign hematologic, infections, orthopedic, coagulopathy, metabolic and to decrease morbidity of disease (diminution of pain), modify disease progression, and potentially anatomic development. In this chapter, we will review the history of use of these passive antibody therapies, their mechanism of action, pharmacologic-therapeutic classification, particular medical indication, adverse reactions, and potential future use of these medications.

TNF-alpha inhibitors for the six treatment targets of psoriatic arthritis

Introduction: Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by psoriasis, synovitis, enthesitis, spondylitis, and association with extra-articular manifestations and comorbidities. Treatment of PsA dramatically changed since the introduction of anti-TNF drugs which have shown to reduce the symptoms and signs of the disease and slow the radiographic progression. Despite the introduction of new molecules with different mechanisms of action, the role of anti-TNF in the treatment of all disease manifestations of this intriguing disease is still central.Areas covered: The aim of this paper is to review the role of anti-TNF drugs in the treatment of different disease domains in PsA (peripheral and axial joints, skin, enthesis, patient's reported outcomes, extra-articular manifestations), reporting data from randomized clinical trials and observational studies. An extensive literature search was performed on PubMed, with no limits or filters. The following search terms were used: 'anti-TNF', 'Psoriatic Arthritis'.Expert opinion: Despite the emergence of different new treatments, anti-TNF therapy remains central in the management of all disease domains in PsA patients.

Overall and comparative safety of biologic and immunosuppressive therapy in inflammatory bowel diseases

Introduction: Efficacy and safety are key aspects when choosing therapies for patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). While several randomized trials and indirect comparisons have informed the comparative efficacy of medications, there has been a limited synthesis of safety of different agents. Areas covered: We focus on the overall and comparative risk of serious and opportunistic infections and malignancy of biologic and immunosuppressive therapy in IBD, based on randomized trials, open-label extension and registry studies, and real-world comparative observational studies. Expert opinion: TNFα antagonists may be more immunosuppressive than non-TNF-targeted biologic agents and increase the risk of systemic infections. Most consistent risk factors for serious infections include use of combination therapy with immunosuppressive agents and/or corticosteroids, moderate to severe disease activity, and older age. TNFα antagonists may also be associated with an increased risk of lymphoma, especially when combined with thiopurines. Real-world comparative safety studies, especially with newer biologic agents, are warranted to inform decision-making. Comparative safety of pharmacotherapy for IBD should be viewed in conjunction with efficacy and in the context of treatment strategies/approach, rather than in the context of specific agents used.

A Review on the Use of Anti-TNF in Children and Adolescents with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) presents with disabling symptoms and may lead to insufficient growth and late pubertal development in cases of disease onset during childhood or adolescence. During the last decade, the role of anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) in the treatment of paediatric-onset IBD has gained more ground. The number of biologicals presently available for children and adolescents with IBD has increased, biosimilars have become available, and practices in adult gastroenterology with regards to anti-TNF have changed. The aim of this study is to review the current evidence on the indications, judicious use, effectiveness and safety of anti-TNF agents in paediatric IBD. A PubMed literature search was performed and included articles published after 2000 using the following terms: child or paediatric, Crohn, ulcerative colitis, inflammatory bowel disease, anti-TNF, TNF alpha inhibitor, infliximab, adalimumab, golimumab and biological. Anti-TNF agents, specifically infliximab and adalimumab, have proven to be effective in moderate and severe paediatric IBD. Therapeutic drug monitoring increases therapy effectiveness and safety. Clinical predictors for anti-TNF response are currently of limited value because of the variation in outcome definitions and follow-ups. Future research should comprise large cohorts and clinical trials comparing groups according to their risk profile in order to provide personalized therapeutic strategies.

Clinical Pharmacology in Adult and Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease

This review describes the clinical pharmacology of the major drugs used for the treatment of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Pharmacokinetics, drug metabolism, mechanism of action, efficacy, and safety profile are discussed. Some small molecules were developed to act systemically (eg, ozanimod) or locally (eg, aminosalicylates) and thus have disparate pharmacokinetic properties. In addition, locally acting compounds have been optimized to mitigate systemic exposure-eg, budesonide, which undergoes extensive first-pass metabolism-thereby reducing systemic bioavailability and side effects. Other small molecules such as thiopurines are precursors of their active metabolites and differences in genotype or phenotype of metabolizing enzymes may affect efficacy and safety, requiring therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM). Monoclonal antibodies (MAs) are large molecules administered parenterally, and their pharmacokinetics may be influenced not only by the general immunoglobulin (Ig) G metabolism and recycling pathways but also by antigen properties such as antigen distribution and antigen concentration. In addition, antibody structure, host factors, concurrent medications, and immunogenicity may contribute to the substantial inter- and intrapatient variability in drug exposure and response observed for MAs. Current guidelines recommend reactive TDM of tumor necrosis factor antagonists at the time of loss of response. Evidence for proactive TDM and for the role of TDM for biologics with a different mechanism of action is emerging. Although small molecules offer potential benefits over biologics with oral administration and lack of immunogenicity, there may be risk for more systemic side effects due to off-target binding. Understanding drug metabolism, pharmacokinetic characteristics, and mechanism of action are important in selecting the right drug at the right time at the right dose for patients with IBD.10.1093/ibd/izy189_video1izy189.video15786062223001.

Management of psoriasis in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: From the Medical Board of the National Psoriasis Foundation

BACKGROUND

There is a significant association between psoriasis and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Many treatments for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis are also used for IBD.

OBJECTIVE

To assess therapeutic options for patients with psoriasis and concurrent IBD.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was performed for clinical studies of biologic and systemic psoriasis medications in psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn's disease, for the period from January 1, 1947, to February 14, 2017. Randomized, controlled, double-blinded studies were selected if available. If not, the next highest level of available evidence was selected.

RESULTS

Of the 2282 articles identified, 132 were selected. Infliximab and adalimumab have demonstrated efficacy in psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, ulcerative; colitis, and Crohn's disease. Ustekinumab has demonstrated efficacy in psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and Crohn's disease. Certolizumab has demonstrated efficacy in psoriatic arthritis and Crohn's disease. Etanercept, secukinumab, brodalumab, and ixekizumab have demonstrated efficacy in psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis but may exacerbate or induce IBD. Guselkumab has demonstrated efficacy in psoriasis.

LIMITATIONS

There are no known clinical trials of treatment specifically for concurrent psoriasis and IBD.

CONCLUSIONS

Infliximab and adalimumab have demonstrated efficacy in psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn's disease; other agents have demonstrated efficacy for some, but not all, of these indications.

Psoriasis: Which therapy for which patient: Psoriasis comorbidities and preferred systemic agents

Psoriasis is a systemic inflammatory disease associated with increased risk of comorbidities, such as psoriatic arthritis, Crohn's disease, malignancy, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases. These factors have a significant impact on the decision to use one therapy over another. The past decade has seen a paradigm shift in our understanding of the pathogenesis of psoriasis that has led to identification of new therapeutic targets. Several new drugs have gained approval by the US Food and Drug Administration, expanding the psoriasis armamentarium, but still a large number of patients continue to be untreated or undertreated. Treatment regimens for psoriasis patients should be tailored to meet the specific needs based on disease severity, the impact on quality of life, the response to previous therapies, and the presence of comorbidities. The first article in this continuing medical education series focuses on specific comorbidities and provides insights to choose appropriate systemic treatment in patients with moderate to severe psoriasis.

Accounting for Pharmacokinetic Variability of Certolizumab Pegol in Patients with Crohn's Disease

BACKGROUND

Certolizumab pegol is an effective biologic for patients with Crohn's disease (CD). Individual differences in certolizumab pegol apparent clearance (CL/F) affect exposure and possibly efficacy. A previously developed population pharmacokinetic (PK) model did not account for dynamic changes in clinical parameters during therapy.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to refine the existing PK model to capture the time-varying influence of covariates.

METHODS

Data collected from 2157 Crohn's disease patients in nine studies were analyzed using nonlinear mixed-effects modeling software (NONMEM). Certolizumab pegol concentration-time data were described by a one-compartment PK model with first-order absorption, and one-compartment disposition with linear, time-dependent elimination using antidrug antibody (ADAb) concentration as a continuous variable.

RESULTS

The final dataset consisted of 12,926 analyzable records. Parameter estimates were absorption rate constant 1.83/day, CL/F 0.527 L/day, and apparent volume of distribution (V/F) 8.33 L. ADAb concentration (2.5-214 units/mL) increased the median CL/F by 142-174%. For a typical patient, body weight (46.8-100.5 kg) increased the median CL/F and V/F from 82 to 120%. Albumin (32-48 g/L) decreased and C-reactive protein (0.5-54.0 mg/L) increased the median CL/F from 123 to 85% and from 83 to 113%, respectively. Between-patient variability of CL/F was 19.6%.

CONCLUSIONS

By incorporating time-varying covariates, this population PK model reduces between-patient variability on CL/F estimates, and the relative influence of ADAb can now be assessed. As Crohn's disease patient covariates are often time-dependent, this model is more reflective of patient drug exposure with sustained treatment.

Lymphoma Risk and Overall Safety Profile of Adalimumab in Patients With Crohn's Disease With up to 6 Years of Follow-Up in the Pyramid Registry

OBJECTIVES

Real-world, prospective, long-term studies in Crohn's disease (CD) characterizing adalimumab safety data and lymphoma risk were lacking. We present the final results from the PYRAMID registry, which was designed to rule out a doubling of lymphoma risk in adalimumab-treated patients with CD.

METHODS

Patients with moderately to severely active CD newly prescribed or currently receiving adalimumab according to local product labels were followed for up to 6 years and analyzed for adverse events (AEs). The registry exposure-adjusted observed rate of lymphoma was compared with the estimated background lymphoma rate from a sex-matched general population in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results 17 Registry database adjusted for anticipated prior or concurrent thiopurine use in a CD population.

RESULTS

A total of 5025 patients were evaluated (16680.4 PY of adalimumab registry exposure, ≈3 years/patient mean follow-up). Registry treatment-emergent AEs included 4129 serious AEs (n = 1853 [36.9%]; 24.8 E/100 PY), 792 serious infections (n = 556 [11.1%]; 4.7 E/100 PY), and 134 malignancies (n = 116 [2.3%]; 0.8 E/100 PY), including ten lymphomas. The observed lymphoma rate (0.060 E/100 PY) was lower than the estimated background rate (0.084 E/100 PY), and the upper bound of the one-sided 95% CI of the observed rate (0.102 E/100 PY) was lower than double the estimated rate (0.168 E/100 PY).

CONCLUSIONS

PYRAMID is the longest prospective adalimumab study in routine clinical practice, with up to 6 years of follow-up. No new safety signals were reported. The pre-specified registry objective of ruling out a doubling of lymphoma risk with adalimumab was met.

Role of biologics and biosimilars in inflammatory bowel disease: current trends and future perspectives

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an idiopathic chronic inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal system. The spectrum is of predominantly two types, namely, ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. The incidence of IBD has been increasing steadily since 1990, and so the number of agents used in their treatment. Biologics that are derived partly or completely from living biological sources such as animals and humans have become widely available, which provide therapeutic benefits to the IBD patients. Currently, monoclonal antibodies against tumor necrosis factor-alpha (infliximab, adalimumab, certolizumab, and golimumab), integrins (vedolizumab and natalizumab), and interleukin (IL)-12 and IL-23 antagonists (ustekinumab) are approved for use in IBD. Biosimilars of infliximab and adalimumab are also available for the treatment of IBD. This review summarizes the clinical pharmacology, studies leading to their approval, overall indications and their use in IBD, usage in pregnancy and lactation, and the adverse effects of these agents. This review also summarizes the recent advances and future perspectives specific to biologics and biosimilars in IBD.

Development of Clinical Prediction Models for Surgery and Complications in Crohn's Disease

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Crohn's disease-related complications account for a substantial proportion of inflammatory bowel disease-associated health care expenditure. Identifying patients at risk for complications may allow for targeted use of early therapeutic interventions to offset this natural course. We aimed to develop risk prediction models for Crohn's disease-related surgery and complications.

METHODS

Using data from the Randomised Evaluation of an Algorithm for Crohn's Disease cluster-randomised clinical Trial [REACT], which involved 1898 patients from 40 community practices, separate prediction models were derived and internally validated for predicting Crohn's disease-related surgery and disease-related complications [defined as the first disease-related surgery, hospitalisation, or complication within 24 months]. Model performance was assessed in terms of discrimination and calibration, decision curves, and net benefit analyses.

RESULTS

There were 130 [6.8%] disease-related surgeries and 504 [26.6%] complications during the 24-month follow-up period. Selected baseline predictors of surgery included age, gender, disease location, Harvey-Bradshaw Index [HBI] score, stool frequency, antimetabolite or 5-aminosalicylate use, and the presence of a fistula, abscess, or abdominal mass. Selected predictors of complications included those same factors for surgery, plus corticosteroid or anti-tumour necrosis factor use, but excluded 5-aminosalicylate use. Discrimination ability, as measured by validated c-statistics, was 0.70 and 0.62 for the surgery and complication models, respectively. Score charts and nomograms were developed to facilitate future risk score calculation.

CONCLUSIONS

Separate risk prediction models for Crohn's disease-related surgery and complications were developed using clinical trial data involving community gastroenterology practices. These models could be used to guide Crohn's disease management. External validation is warranted.

Adherence rates and health care costs in Crohn's disease patients receiving certolizumab pegol with and without home health nurse assistance: results from a retrospective analysis of patient claims and home health nurse data

BACKGROUND

Patient support programs have a positive effect on adherence to therapy. Certolizumab pegol (CZP) is a tumor necrosis factor antagonist for the treatment of Crohn's disease.

OBJECTIVES

To assess, using real-world claims data, whether home health nurse assistance had an effect on patients' adherence to CZP and to measure its impact on health care use and costs.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of medical and pharmacy claims data from the IQVIA Real-World Data Adjudicated Claims Database was conducted using data from January 1, 2007 through September 30, 2015. CZP patients with Crohn's disease were eligible to receive self-administration instructions from a nurse or nurse-administered CZP injections, or both. These services were provided by CIMplicity^®, a home health nurse program sponsored by UCB Pharma. Cohorts were based on patients with and without nurse assistance and were matched based on gender and categorical age. Adherence to CZP was determined using the medication possession ratio (MPR) and proportion of days covered (PDC). A Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed to compare time to discontinuation of CZP between the two cohorts. Multivariate regression analyses were performed, adjusting for additional covariates to compare the effect of CZP with and without nurse assistance on hospitalization and total health care costs.

RESULTS

Patients with at least 12 months of continuous enrollment post-index date were evaluated for adherence to CZP (n=276 in each cohort). The mean and median PDC and MPR values were higher with nurse assistance than without. Time to discontinuation was significantly longer in patients who received CZP with nurse assistance than without (P=0.0004). Results from the multivariate analyses showed a significant reduction in all-cause hospitalization (-55.8%; P=0.0026) and total health care costs (-14.3%; P=0.0045) with nurse assistance.

CONCLUSION

This analysis suggests that home health nurse assistance increases adherence to CZP and reduces health care costs in patients with Crohn's disease.

Exposure-response relationship of certolizumab pegol induction and maintenance therapy in patients with Crohn's disease

BACKGROUND

Therapeutic drug monitoring may optimize therapy for Crohn's disease (CD).

AIM

To use a population pharmacokinetic model that accounts for the time-varying nature of covariates to simulate certolizumab pegol (CZP) concentrations to evaluate the exposure-response relationship for CZP in Crohn's disease.

METHODS

Adults (N = 2157) with Crohn's disease were treated with CZP in nine clinical trials. Simulated CZP concentrations were compared to outcomes at weeks 6 and 26, including Crohn's disease activity index (CDAI) response (decrease from baseline ≥ 100 points), remission (CDAI ≤ 150), C-reactive protein (CRP) ≤ 5 mg/L, faecal calprotectin (FC) ≤ 250 μg/g, and a composite endpoint of CDAI ≤ 150 and FC ≤ 250 μg/g. Multivariable analyses identified covariates associated with outcomes and receiver operating characteristic analyses determined optimal CZP concentrations.

RESULTS

CZP concentrations at weeks 2, 4 and 6 were higher in patients with clinical response, remission, CRP ≤ 5 mg/L or FC ≤ 250 μg/g at week 6 than without. In multivariable analyses, higher CZP concentrations at week 6 were associated with the composite outcome at weeks 6 and 26 (P < .001). Although the exposure-response relationship varied among patients, approximate CZP concentrations of at least 36.1 μg/mL (positive predictive value [PPV] 22.8% and negative predictive value [NPV] 92.7%) and at least 14.8 μg/mL (PPV 28.0% and NPV 90.4%) at weeks 6 and 12 were associated with weeks 6 and 26 outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

An exposure-response relationship was apparent for CZP in Crohn's disease and achieving higher CZP concentrations may increase the likelihood of attaining efficacy outcomes, but this remains to be evaluated prospectively.

Long-term safety of adalimumab in clinical trials in adult patients with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis

BACKGROUND

Adalimumab is used to treat moderate to severe Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) when conventional therapies fail.

AIM

To update long-term adalimumab safety from CD and UC trials; the previous report was CD only, 3160 patients/3402 patient-years (PYs).

METHODS

Treatment-emergent adverse events (AEs; first dose to 70 days after last dose/December 31, 2015) in adults in phase 2/3 and 3/3b trials and open-label extensions were coded using Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities (MedDRA-v18.1). Rates were assessed as events/100 (E/100 PYs).

RESULTS

The database (16 trials; CD, N = 3606; UC, N = 1739) represented 4145 and 3397 PYs of exposure, respectively. For CD, incidences of any AEs with adalimumab were 60.8%-65.1%, depending on dose, and 71.5% with placebo; for UC, the incidences were 53.5%-54.8% and 56.1%, respectively. Rates of any AEs (CD, 605 E/100 PYs; UC, 361 E/100 PYs), serious AEs (CD, 36.1 E/100 PYs; UC, 18.9 E/100 PYs), and malignancies (CD, 1.2 E/100 PYs; UC, 1.0 E/100 PYs) were similar between current and prior analyses. Apparent rate of opportunistic infections was lowered to 0.3 and 0.2 E/100 PYs for CD and UC, respectively, by recent MedDRA changes excluding oral candidiasis and tuberculosis. Standardised incidence ratios for malignancies were similar to the general population (CD, 1.45 [95% CI, 0.90-2.22]; UC, 1.36 [95% CI, 0.84-2.07]). Demyelinating disorders were uncommon (CD, 0.1 E/100 PYs; UC, <0.1 E/100 PYs).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with moderately to severely active Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis continued to experience acceptable safety with adalimumab, without new safety signals.

Challenges in Using Real-world Clinical Practice Records for Validation of Clinical Trial Data in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Lessons Learned

Electronic medical records (EMRs) have gained widespread use in clinical practice and by default serve as a large patient database with potential for use in clinical research. Although there remains significant interest in leveraging EMRs for research purposes, extraction of data has proven to be complex and with insufficient accuracy. We describe the limitations of an EMR in our attempt to conduct a seemingly simple study aimed at validating variables identified in the PRECiSE 3, a 7-year open label safety and efficacy study of certolizumab pegol in Crohn's disease that identified clinical factors that predicted both short- and long-term efficacy. A multicenter, retrospective cohort study from 8 academic and large community practices was performed, and data were collected from each respective EMR. Significant challenges with reliable capture of key data elements were encountered, and overall a screen fail rate of 91.8% across all sites was seen. We describe these challenges and potential future directions to work together to advance accuracy and implementation of the use of EMRs in inflammatory bowel disease.

Minimal to no transfer of certolizumab pegol into breast milk: results from CRADLE, a prospective, postmarketing, multicentre, pharmacokinetic study

BACKGROUND

Women with chronic inflammatory diseases face uncertainty regarding the safety of biologics during breast feeding. CRADLE was the first industry-sponsored study to evaluate certolizumab pegol (CZP) concentrations in human breast milk and estimate average daily infant dose (ADID) of maternal CZP.

METHODS

CRADLE (NCT02154425) was a pharmacokinetic study of lactating mothers receiving CZP. After ≥3 CZP doses, breast milk samples were collected across one dosing period (14 days for 200 mg every 2 weeks [Q2W]; 28 days for 400 mg every 4 weeks [Q4W]). Optimal analytical methods were developed to determine CZP and polyethylene glycol (PEG) levels in breast milk. ADID and relative infant dose (RID) were estimated. Safety events in mothers and infants were assessed.

RESULTS

19 CZP-treated mothers were screened; 17 entered the sampling period: 16 on 200 mg Q2W, 1 on 400 mg Q4W. 77/137 (56%) breast milk samples had no measurable CZP. For 4/17 mothers, all samples were below the lower limit of quantification (LLOQ). Estimated ADID was 0-0.0104 mg/kg/day; median RID: 0.15%. PEG was undetectable in 134/137 samples (results could not be determined in three samples). Infants of CZP-exposed mothers had a safety profile consistent with that of unexposed similar-age infants.

CONCLUSION

When quantifiable, CZP concentrations were <3× LLOQ (<1% plasma concentration observed with therapeutic dose), indicating no/minimal CZP transfer from plasma to breast milk. RID was 0.15% of maternal dose; <10% is considered unlikely to be of clinical concern. No PEG transfer was observed. CZP absorption by infants via breast milk is unlikely due to its low oral bioavailability and Fc--free molecular structure. These findings are reassuring and support continuation of CZP treatment during breast feeding.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT02154425; Results.

The Innate and Adaptive Immune System as Targets for Biologic Therapies in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an immune-mediated inflammatory condition causing inflammation of gastrointestinal and systemic cells, with an increasing prevalence worldwide. Many factors are known to trigger and maintain inflammation in IBD including the innate and adaptive immune systems, genetics, the gastrointestinal microbiome and several environmental factors. Our knowledge of the involvement of the immune system in the pathophysiology of IBD has advanced rapidly over the last two decades, leading to the development of several immune-targeted treatments with a biological source, known as biologic agents. The initial focus of these agents was directed against the pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) leading to dramatic changes in the disease course for a proportion of patients with IBD. However, more recently, it has been shown that a significant proportion of patients do not respond to anti-TNF-α directed therapies, leading a shift to other inflammatory pathways and targets, including those of both the innate and adaptive immune systems, and targets linking both systems including anti-leukocyte trafficking agents-integrins and adhesion molecules. This review briefly describes the molecular basis of immune based gastrointestinal inflammation in IBD, and then describes how several current and future biologic agents work to manipulate these pathways, and their clinical success to date.

Effects of Transient and Persistent Anti-drug Antibodies to Certolizumab Pegol: Longitudinal Data from a 7-Year Study in Crohn's Disease

BACKGROUND

Anti-drug antibodies (ADAbs) may decrease the efficacy of biologics and increase the risk of adverse events. A single positive test may not preclude further treatment because of variations in assays used, test timing, and patient variables. We evaluated the longitudinal patterns of immunogenicity during 7 years of antitumor necrosis factor-alpha drug certolizumab pegol (CZP) treatment for moderate-to-severe Crohn's disease.

METHODS

PRECiSE 3 patients (n = 595) received open-label CZP 400 mg every 4 weeks up to 7 years. CZP-ADAb expression, plasma CZP concentration, Harvey-Bradshaw Index, C-reactive protein, and fecal calprotectin concentrations were measured multiple times. Longitudinal data, examined for CZP-ADAb positivity and categorized as transient (with temporary/no effect on CZP concentration), persistent, or negative, were correlated with clinical and biological variables.

RESULTS

Of the CZP-ADAb-positive patients, 40 (22.6%) had transient CZP-ADAbs and 94 (77.4%) had persistent CZP-ADAbs. Demographic characteristics were similar between groups. Median C-reactive protein and fecal calprotectin were higher (P < 0.05 at some visits) and plasma CZP concentrations were significantly lower (P < 0.0001 at all visits) in the persistent CZP-ADAb-positive group relative to the CZP-ADAb-negative group. Transient CZP-ADAb-positive and CZP-ADAb-negative patients had similar plasma CZP, C-reactive protein, and fecal calprotectin concentrations. Median Harvey-Bradshaw Index scores and rates of adverse events were similar among groups.

CONCLUSIONS

This analysis demonstrates that persistent CZP-ADAb has negative effects on drug levels and efficacy, whereas transient expression may not. Serial measurements may be needed to characterize ADAb positivity. www.clinicaltrials.gov, Number NCT00160524.

Systematic review with meta-analysis: loss of response and requirement of anti-TNFα dose intensification in Crohn's disease

BACKGROUND

To review the frequency with which anti-TNF-α loses its effect and dose "intensification" is required for Crohn's disease (CD) treatment.

METHODS

Electronic databases were searched for eligible studies. Raw data from studies meeting inclusion criteria were pooled for effect estimates. Subgroup analyses were performed for exploration of heterogeneity regarding all outcomes.

RESULTS

Eighty-six eligible studies were included. Estimates of loss of response (LOR) incidence ranged from 8 to 71%. The random effects pooled incidence of LOR with a median follow-up of 1-year was 33% (95% CI 29-38, 55 studies, n = 6135). The effect estimate based on data from patients with infliximab was 33% (95% CI 27-40), 30% (95% CI 22-39) for adalimumab, and 41% (95% CI 30-53) for certolizumabpegol. Overall, the mean percentage of patients' LOR to anti-TNFs was 38.5%. The annual risk for LOR was 20.9% per patient-year. The random-effects pooled rate of need for dose intensification with a median follow-up of 1 year was 34% (95% CI 28-41, 38 studies, n = 10,690). The effect estimate for infliximab was 38% (95% CI 28-50), 36% (95% CI 30-43) for adalimumab, and 2% (95% CI 2-3) for certolizumab-pegol. The mean percentage of patients who needed an anti-TNF dose escalation was 23% with an annual risk of 18.5% per patient-year. There was no evidence of publication bias for incidence of LOR but not for the dose intensification (p = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, around one-third of CD patients experience a LOR and required dose intensification in primary anti-TNF-α responders.

Biological Therapy in Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Systematic Review

The incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has increased steadily worldwide, both in adult and in children; approximately 25% of IBD patients are diagnosed before the age of 18. The natural history of IBD is usually more severe in children than in adults, and can be associated with linear growth impairment, delayed puberty onset, reduced bone mass index, malnutrition, and the need for surgery. Biological therapies, especially blocking tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα), have radically modified the treatment strategies and disease course of IBD in children. In particular, drugs such as Infliximab and Adalimumab are routinely used in the treatment of pediatric IBD. The role of Infliximab and Adalimumab in the management of pediatric IBD has been recently updated in the Consensus guidelines of ECCO/ESPGHAN. Data regarding short-term and long-term efficacy and safety of these drugs in children, and the effects of "top-down" and "step-up" strategies, are lacking. In this paper, the authors will review current indications, efficacy, and safety of biological therapy in pediatric IBD patients, evaluating all articles published after ECCO/ESPGHAN guidelines publication. The authors carried out a systematic search through MEDLINE through PubMed (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/) Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, and gray literature, from January 2013 to January 2016. Anti-TNFα has been shown to be effective and safe to maintain remission and to achieve mucosal healing. Multicenter trials based on large sample size cohorts are needed to better clarify long-term efficacy of anti-TNFα and the real incidence of treatment-related complications in pediatric IBD.

Certolizumab Pegol: A Review in Inflammatory Autoimmune Diseases

Certolizumab pegol (Cimzia^®) is a subcutaneously administered polyethylene glycolylated (PEGylated) antigen-binding fragment of a recombinant human monoclonal antibody that selectively neutralizes TNFα. The drug is indicated for a variety of inflammatory autoimmune diseases, including Crohn's disease (CD), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), based on its benefit in these settings in well-designed clinical trials. In these studies, certolizumab pegol (as first- or subsequent-line therapy) reduced the severity of CD when used as an induction or maintenance therapy, and improved the signs/symptoms and slowed the radiographic progression of RA (with or without concomitant methotrexate), PsA and axSpA. Certolizumab pegol is generally well tolerated, with upper respiratory tract infections, rash and urinary tract infections being among the most frequent adverse reactions. Thus, certolizumab pegol is an effective option for the management of these autoimmune diseases.

[Inflammatory Bowel Disease Competence Network]

The Inflammatory Bowel Disease Competence Network is a network of more than 500 physicians and scientists from university clinics, hospitals and gastroenterology practices. The focus extends from the two major forms of inflammatory bowel diseases, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, into other chronic inflammatory conditions affecting the intestine, including coeliac disease and microscopic colitis. The network translates basic science discoveries (in particular in the molecular epidemiology research) into innovative diagnostics and therapy. Through its strong networking structures it supports a continuous process to improve quality and standardisation in patient care that is implemented in close interaction with European networks addressing this disease group.Optimisation of patient care based on scientifically proven evidence is a main focus of the network. Therefore, it supports and coordinates translational research and infrastructure projects that investigate aetiology, improvement of diagnostic methods, and development of new or improved use of established therapies. Members participate in various training projects, thus ensuring the rapid transfer of research results into clinical practice.The competence network cooperates with the main patient organisations to engage patients in all levels of activities. The network and the patient organisations have interest in promoting public awareness about the disease entities, because their importance and burden is underestimated in non-specialised medical fields and among the general public.

IL-23 Blockade for Crohn s disease: next generation of anti-cytokine therapy

INTRODUCTION

Adaptive immunity in intestinal inflammation may play a key role in the pathogenesis of Crohn's disease. In particular, interleukin (IL)-23 may be a key mediator in chronic intestinal inflammation by inducing the differentiation of naïve CD4 + T cells into Th17, with the production of several pro-inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, IL-23 induces interferon-γ (IFN- γ) production from activated T cells, a critical cytokine in innate and adaptive immunity against infections. Areas covered: We aim to review the available data from literature regarding the role of IL-23, with a more specific focus on the recent progresses in the therapeutic modulation of this cytokine. Expert commentary: Increased knowledge regarding the role of IL-23 has allowed for the development of effective therapeutic progresses by blocking the IL-23 mediated pathways. Primary or secondary loss of response to anti-TNF therapies in Crohn's disease patients during the first year is widely described in literature: the development of new drugs, with alternative mechanisms of action, is thus a key point to consider for the optimal management of these subjects. Drugs blocking the IL-12/23 pathway showed a good efficacy and safety profile in immune-mediated diseases Further studies are necessary regarding the role of the single blockade of IL-23.

Safety of Long-term Treatment With Certolizumab Pegol in Patients With Crohn's Disease, Based on a Pooled Analysis of Data From Clinical Trials

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Treatments for Crohn's disease (CD) have been linked to serious infections, malignancies, and dermatologic complications. We pooled and analyzed clinical trials of certolizumab pegol, a pegylated humanized Fab' fragment against tumor necrosis factor, to quantify safety events in patients with CD.

METHODS

We collected data from 5 placebo-controlled trials, 9 open-label studies, and 1 dose-regimen study, conducted globally through April 2014. A total of 2570 patients with moderate to severe CD were treated with certolizumab pegol, with 4378.1 patient-years of exposure. Data were analyzed in 2 groups: patients from placebo-controlled (PC) trials treated with placebo (n = 875) or certolizumab pegol (n = 919) for 6 to 38 weeks (the PC group) or all patients exposed to certolizumab pegol (n = 2570), for durations of 6 to 362 weeks (the all-studies group). Incidence rates (IRs; incidence/100 patient-years) of adverse events (AEs) were calculated from first dose through 70 days (approximately 5 half-lives) after the last dose.

RESULTS

In the PC group, IRs for serious AEs were similar among patients given certolizumab pegol (31.35/100 patient-years) vs placebo (24.33/100 patient-years). IRs of serious infections or malignancies were low among patients receiving short-term treatment with certolizumab pegol (8.49/100 patient-years and 1.01/100 patient-years, respectively, in the PC group) and did not increase with long-term treatment (6.47/100 patient-years and 0.80/100 patient-years, respectively, in the all-studies group). IRs of psoriasis or psoriasiform dermatitis were low in the PC group (1.01/100 patient-years and 0/100 patient-years, respectively); in the placebo group, these IRs were 0.38 per 100 patient-years and 0 per 100 patient-years, respectively. IRs of psoriasis or psoriasiform dermatitis did not increase with long-term treatment (0.93/100 patient-years and 0.09/100 patient-years, respectively, in the all-studies group).

CONCLUSIONS

Based on an analysis of data pooled from 15 trials of patients with CD, the safety profile for long-term therapy with certolizumab pegol therapy is similar to that reported from short-term studies. Overall rates of AEs, serious infections, malignancies, and psoriasis did not increase with long-term treatment, suggesting a favorable risk-benefit ratio with long-term certolizumab pegol therapy in CD. Clinicaltrials.gov identifiers: NCT00291668, NCT00152490, NCT00152425, NCT00308581, NCT00349752, NCT00552058, NCT00329550, NCT00329420, NCT00160524, NCT00160706, NCT00297648, NCT00333788, NCT00307931, NCT00356408, and NCT00552344 (https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/search).

Early remission status predicts long-term outcomes in patients with Crohn's disease treated with certolizumab pegol

BACKGROUND

In Crohn's disease (CD), rapid response to anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy improves short- and medium-term outcomes, but the relationship between early remission (ER) and long-term remission is unclear.

AIMS

This exploratory analysis of PRECiSE 3 (NCT00160524) assessed whether ER after initiation of certolizumab pegol predicted long-term remission.

METHODS

Patients enrolled in PRECiSE 3 had completed PRECiSE 1 or 2, two randomized placebo-controlled studies for moderate to severe CD, and received open-label certolizumab pegol 400 mg every 4 weeks for a total treatment duration of ≤7.5 years. Time to loss of remission between patients with and without ER (Harvey-Bradshaw Index ≤4 at or before Week 6 of PRECiSE 1 or 2) was compared by log-rank test of Kaplan-Meier estimates.

RESULTS

At baseline, patients with (n = 242) and without (n = 148) ER had mean (standard deviation [SD]) durations of CD of 6.8 (6.6) and 7.4 (7.8) years, mean (SD) CD Activity Index scores of 280.3 (53.4) and 311.1 (55.5), with 45.5% and 41.9% of patients having ileocolonic CD, and median C-reactive protein concentrations of 8.0 and 5.0 mg/L, respectively. Median certolizumab pegol plasma concentrations during the first 6 weeks of therapy were similar in both groups. Mean time to loss of remission was significantly longer in patients with versus without ER (2.77 vs. 1.14 years, p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

In certolizumab pegol-treated patients with CD, ER appears to be an important predictor of long-term clinical remission. Prospective trials are needed to determine whether ER improves other long-term outcomes.

Reinduction with Certolizumab Pegol in Patients with Crohn's Disease Experiencing Disease Exacerbation: 7-Year Data from the PRECiSE 4 Study

BACKGROUND

Patients with Crohn's disease in whom tumor necrosis factor antagonist therapy fails have limited treatment options, and the benefit of reintroducing the same therapy remains unclear. Here, we report results from PRECiSE 4 (NCT00160706), an open-label extension study of certolizumab pegol in patients who withdrew from the placebo-controlled studies PRECiSE 1 or 2.

METHODS

Patients eligible for PRECiSE 4 had Crohn's disease exacerbation on placebo or primary or secondary failure to certolizumab pegol in PRECiSE 1 or 2, and received 400 mg certolizumab pegol subcutaneously at weeks 0, 2, and 4 and every 4 weeks thereafter up to 360 weeks. We assessed safety (adverse events) and efficacy (clinical remission) of extended certolizumab pegol therapy.

RESULTS

Patients enrolled in PRECiSE 4 (N = 310; mean age, 37 yr; 58% female; 95% white) had a mean Crohn's disease duration of 8.5 years before entering the qualifying studies. At weeks 52, 104, and 156, remission rates were 28.5%, 17.5%, and 12.6% by nonremitter imputation, and 63.8%, 60.0%, and 63.5% by observed cases, with 47.4%, 31.9%, and 23.2% of patients, respectively, remaining on therapy. By study end (7.5 yr), 92.3% of patients discontinued therapy, 49% on account of adverse events. No new safety signals emerged. Incidence rate (new cases)/100 patient-years was 6.11 for serious infections and 1.29 for malignancies.

CONCLUSIONS

Certolizumab pegol was effective in many patients who previously discontinued certolizumab pegol for lack or loss of response. Thus, discontinuation of therapy may not always be necessary. Safety was consistent with previous findings.

Update on the Medical Management of Crohn's Disease

The medical management of Crohn's disease is a rapidly evolving field with expanding therapeutic drug options and treatment strategies. In addition to corticosteroids, immunomodulators, and anti-tumor necrosis (anti-TNF) agents, a new anti-adhesion medication (vedolizumab) has been approved. Individualized patient-based dosing of immunomodulators and biologic agents is now possible with therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM). There is a changing paradigm in treatment goals to achieve deeper remission identified by composite clinical and endoscopic endpoints. More aggressive treatment strategies in the postoperative setting have been proposed due to emerging data on medication efficacy in this setting. Management algorithms that stratify CD patients into risk groups to balance treatment benefit against adverse events and costs are being developed to translate research into clinical practice. This review provides an update on these new developments for practicing gastroenterologists.

Substitution with Alternative Anti-TNFα Therapy (SAVANT)-Outcomes of a Crohn's Disease Cohort Undergoing Substitution Therapy with Certolizumab

BACKGROUND

Biological therapy targeting tumor necrosis factor-alfa has revolutionized the treatment of Crohn's disease (CD). Our study retrospectively reviewed clinical outcomes of 60 patients administratively substituted from Infliximab or Adalimumab to Certolizumab. Maintenance of disease and failure rates after substitution of anti-tumor necrosis factor-alfa agents in CD patients were monitored over 1 year, and this is the first outcomes study of patients maintained on Infliximab or Adalimumab substituted to Certolizumab.

METHODS

A hospital pharmacy directive required all patients on biological therapy to be administratively substituted to Certolizumab therapy. This single-center retrospective analysis initially included 68 CD patients presenting at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-Shreveport. Clinical, endoscopic, and serologic data were compared at baseline and at 4 intervals over 1 year.

RESULTS

Of 60 enrolled CD patients, 45 (75%) successfully transitioned to Certolizumab and had stable disease at 1 year. Of the 15 (25%) patients who "failed" substitution at 1 year, 5 were returned to Adalimumab and 7 to Infliximab; 3 were maintained on steroids awaiting subsequent therapy. Importantly, when patients were segregated on the basis of initial disease control, it was found that 3 (12.5%) previously well-controlled patients failed therapy, whereas 12 (33.3%) who initially had active disease failed Certolizumab substitution.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study found that 25% of CD patients substituted to Cimzia failed substitution, whereas 75% still exhibited a good clinical response with stable disease at 1 year. Our findings indicate that disease status and behavior at the time of biological substitution may predict therapeutic responsiveness.

A safety assessment of anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha therapy for treatment of Crohn's disease

INTRODUCTION

Anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) therapy has revolutionized the medical treatment of Crohn's disease (CD). Nevertheless, anti-TNF-α therapy has been associated with serious adverse events (SAE) raising safety concerns. This review focuses on the safety profile of anti-TNF-α agents in CD.

AREAS COVERED

We performed a literature search until August 2015 to collect safety data on infliximab, adalimumab and certolizumab pegol monotherapy or combined with immunomodulators (IMM). We have mainly focused on infections and malignancies. Safety in pregnancy, the elderly and children are also presented.

EXPERT OPINION

Available data in CD suggest that anti-TNF-α monotherapy or in combination with IMM is relatively safe, although it may be associated with an elevated risk of serious infections, skin cancer and lymphoma. However, as this data derive mainly from cohort studies, post-marketing registries, and meta-analyses of RCTs, often characterized by inherited methodological weaknesses that may hinder their validity, data from large, statistically powered, prospective studies of sufficient follow up are required to define the actual risk of SAE during anti-TNF-α therapy in IBD. The role of therapeutic drug monitoring in predicting and preventing SAE awaits confirmation.

Balancing the risks and benefits of biologic therapy in inflammatory bowel diseases

INTRODUCTION

The incidence of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD) is rising and overall epidemiology is changing. Goals of IBD therapy are also fast changing to reflect the concept of mucosal healing. IBD management is increasingly revolving around questions of ideal positioning of biologic therapies.

AREAS COVERED

This paper covers important concepts regarding two classes of biologic medications approved for treatment of IBD in the United States - anti-TNF-α agents and lymphocyte-homing antagonists. Topics covered include drug mechanism of action, pharmacokinetic considerations for the clinician including therapeutic drug monitoring, summary of current evidence of drug efficacy in IBD focusing on randomized, controlled trial data. Additionally, nuanced discussion of medication side-effects and adverse reactions is presented.

EXPERT OPINION

Paradigms of treatment goals in IBD are changing with increasing focus on mucosal healing. Concomitantly, our understanding of important factors that impact drug pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamics relationships with biologic agents has increased which will help eventually develop personalized algorithms to optimize the efficacy of these agents. Though direct head-to-head comparisons between these agents are lacking, biologic agents can be considered the safest and most effective therapies introduced for IBD.

Clinical and demographic characteristics predictive of treatment outcomes for certolizumab pegol in moderate to severe Crohn's disease: analyses from the 7-year PRECiSE 3 study

BACKGROUND

Clinical factors were previously identified as predictors of short-term treatment efficacy in Crohn's disease (CD). The PRECiSE 3 (P3) 7-year trial provides an opportunity to study predictors of short- and long-term clinical remission among CD patients treated with certolizumab pegol (CZP).

AIM

To identify factors that influence long-term remission of CD with CZP treatment.

METHODS

Patients who had completed placebo-controlled studies (PRECiSE 1/PRECiSE 2, P1/P2) enrolled in P3 and received open-label CZP 400 mg every 4 weeks up to 7 years. Baseline predictors included, but were not limited to, smoking status, disease duration, prior inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) surgery, Harvey-Bradshaw Index (HBI), albumin, haematocrit and CZP exposure; association with time to initial remission (HBI ≤4) was tested for patients who received CZP in P1/P2; time to loss of remission/frequency of maintenance of remission was also tested. Univariate analyses and multivariate Cox or logistic regression models were used.

RESULTS

Predictors for initial remission (N = 377) included age, haematocrit, prior IBD surgery and entry HBI (P < 0.05 for all). Predictors for loss of remission (N = 437) included HBI, serum albumin concentration, haematocrit, smoking status and exposure. Predictors of maintenance of remission (N = 437) included haematocrit, IBD surgery, HBI, disease duration, serum albumin concentration and exposure. Significant predictors were confirmed with stepwise multivariate regression models.

CONCLUSIONS

These analyses identified several influential parameters for short-and long-term remission of Crohn's disease with certolizumab pegol treatment. The data yield valuable hypotheses regarding factors that influence certolizumab pegol treatment. More investigation is needed. (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT00552058).