Ustekinumab for treating ulcerative colitis: an expert opinion
Livia Biancone1, Sandro Ardizzone2, Alessandro Armuzzi3
1Department of Systems Medicine, University Tor Vergata of Rome , Rome, Italy.
Expert Opinion on Biological Therapy
|July 15, 2020
Summary
Ustekinumab is a new biologic treatment for ulcerative colitis, showing efficacy and safety in clinical trials. It offers potential benefits for patients with multiple treatment failures, expanding therapeutic options.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Biologic agents have transformed ulcerative colitis treatment.
- Anti-tumor necrosis factor agents were the first biologics used.
- Ustekinumab is a newer biologic option for moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the efficacy and safety of ustekinumab.
- To discuss ustekinumab's role in the current treatment paradigm.
- To compare ustekinumab with existing biologic agents.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of ustekinumab's efficacy and safety.
- Analysis of the UNIFI trial data.
- Discussion of expert opinion on ustekinumab's clinical utility.
Main Results:
- The UNIFI trial demonstrated ustekinumab's efficacy and safety for induction and maintenance.
- Ustekinumab shows potential clinical benefit in various patient populations.
- It may be effective even in patients with prior treatment failures.
Conclusions:
- Ustekinumab is an effective and safe biologic for ulcerative colitis.
- It offers a valuable option for patients with multiple treatment failures.
- Further trials comparing ustekinumab to other biologics are warranted.
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