MAY 2013 Brought to You by
gastroendonews.com
REPORT DDW 2013: New Research Improves Monitoring Biologic Therapy for IBD Introduction
remission.1,3 Patients may show an initial response to biologic Increased awareness into William J. Sandborn, MD therapy only to have their IBD the pathophysiology of inflamsymptoms recur. In fact, loss matory bowel disease (IBD) Chief, Division of Gastroenterology of response to biologic therhas led to the development of Director, Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center apy may occur in approximately therapeutic agents that inhibit University of California 50% of initial responders.4 Sevthe proinflammatory cytokines San Diego Health System responsible for these coneral factors have been uncovLa Jolla, California ditions—in particular, tumor ered that collectively affect the necrosis factor-α (TNFα).1 pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamics profile of biologic Since the FDA’s approval of therapy, including the presence of antidrug antibodies, infliximab (IFX) in 1998,2 several anti-TNFα agents have high baseline levels of TNFα or C-reactive protein (CRP), subsequently been developed for the treatment of Crohn’s high body weight, and concomitant use of immunosupdisease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC).3 The use of these pressive agents.3 The influence of antidrug antibodies agents has led to improved outcomes3 and a reduced need for concomitant corticosteroid therapy, an imporon IBD therapy has received increased attention and tant achievement due to the incidence of severe adverse appreciation over the past few years. events and risk for steroid dependence.1 The development of antidrug antibodies can cause hypersensitivity reactions and, more importantly, Although these biologic agents have proven beneficial increased production of these antibodies reduces the in the treatment of IBD, there remain limitations regardefficacy of biologic agents. 3 Antibodies accelerate ing optimal dosing to both induce and maintain disease
Faculty
Supported by