Novel treatment options for ulcerative colitis. (November 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Vaughn, Byron P; Moss, Alan C
• Is Part Of: Clinical investigation. Volume 3:Number 11(2013)
• Page Start: 1057
• Page End: 1069
• Publication Date: 2013-11
• Subjects: anti-integrins -- chemokine inhibitors -- clinical drug trials -- inflammatory bowel disease therapy -- novel therapies -- ulcerative colitis; Drugs -- Testing -- Periodicals; Drug development -- Periodicals; Clinical trials -- Periodicals; 615.580724
• DOI: 10.4155/cli.13.97
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2041-6806

Abstract

The approved treatment options for patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) are currently limited to mesalamine or immunosuppressants. Patients who do not respond to mesalamine-based therapy can be treated with immunomodulators or anti-TNF antibody therapy. Failure or adverse reactions to these medications leaves the patient with little choice other than colectomy. However, novel insights into the pathogenic drivers of UC have led to new developments in drugs that promise clinical efficacy via modulation of targeted pathways. Given the impending expansion of therapeutic options for patients with UC, clinicians and researchers should be familiar with these mechanisms of action. In addition, the typical 'step-up' treatment paradigm for UC will likely need to be reshaped to allow for a more personalized approach to treating UC.