New enema treatments for inflammatory bowel disease

Two new preparations are under clinical trial for use in the treatment of ulcerative proctitis and left-sided colitis. One is 5-aminosalicylate, a component of sulfasalazine. This substance has virtually no immunomodulating capabilities. Evidence for efficacy equal to that of sulfasalazine in acute colitis has been obtained but its role in preventing recurrences is unknown. The other substance is tixocortol, a rapidly metabolized steroid, which has local antiinflammatory activity. Specific procedures of preparation and dosage remain to be established. Both preparations are administered as enemas.