Indirect comparison for Anti-TNF drugs in moderate to severe ulcerative colitis

To compare the relative efficacy of infliximab, adalimumab and golimumab through adjusted indirect treatment comparisons (ITCs).

An exhaustive search was performed until October 2013. Databases consulted were MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, the Centre for Reviews and Dissemination and the Web of Science. Randomized control trials (RCTs) comparing the efficacy of infliximab, adalimumab or golimumab versus placebo, in terms of clinical remission, clinical response and mucosal healing, were included. In the case that more than one RCT fulfilled the inclusion criteria for the same drug, a metanalysis was undertaken using a fixed effects model. ITCs were carried out using the method proposed by Bucher et al.

6 RCTs published in 5 papers were included: 2 for infliximab (ACT 1 and ACT 2), 2 for adalimumab (ULTRA 1 y ULTRA 2) and 2 for golimumab (PURSUIT-SC y PURSUIT-M).In these RTCs, each biological agent was superior in efficacy to placebo. The results of the adjusted ITC are the following. In relation to the clinical remission, in the induction and maintenance period, there are no statistically significant differences between the three anti-TNF drugs. In relation to the clinical response and mucosal healing, in the induction period, there are statistically significant differences between infliximab and adalimumab.

In view of the results obtained, infliximab, adalimumab and golimumab appear to be similarly effective therapeutic alternatives. Therefore, other considerations such as safety, tolerance and cost-effectiveness should be taken into account in order to select the most appropriate treatment.