Advances in the development of new biologics in inflammatory bowel disease

Abstract

Biologics have revolutionized the therapeutic approach in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) agents infl iximab and adalimumab currently constitute the major biological therapy in IBD. Additional anti-TNFs such as golimumab and other new biologics are currently being developed for both anti-TNF-naïve and -resistant patients. These include anti-integrins (vedolizumab and etrolizumab), a JAK inhibitor (tofacitinib) and an anti-anti-interleukin (IL)-23 and IL-12 antibody (ustekinumab), among additional drugs in development. The following review discusses the indications, efficacy and safety issues for these novel medications.

Keywords Infl ammatory bowel disease, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, therapy, biologics

Ann Gastroenterol 2016; 29 (3): 243-248