Review article: safety of new biologic agents for inflammatory bowel disease in the liver

Salvatore Magrì1, Luchino Chessa2, Mauro Demurtas3

  • 1Department of Endoscopic Surgery, 'G.Brotzu' Hospital, Piazzale Alessandro Ricchi, Cagliari.

Insights

New biologic therapies for inflammatory bowel diseases, including vedolizumab, ustekinumab, and tofacitinib, show promise but raise concerns regarding liver function, especially in patients with pre-existing liver conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Gastroenterology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • New biologic agents like vedolizumab, ustekinumab, and tofacitinib are approved for inflammatory bowel diseases.
  • Concerns exist regarding the hepatic safety of these advanced therapies, particularly in specific patient populations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review available data on the liver safety of vedolizumab, ustekinumab, and tofacitinib.
  • To assess the safety of these agents in patients with and without pre-existing liver diseases.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of safety data for vedolizumab, ustekinumab, and tofacitinib.
  • Focus on hepatic safety in patients with hepatitis B, hepatitis C, cirrhosis, and transplant recipients.

Main Results:

  • Limited data exist on vedolizumab efficacy in primary sclerosing cholangitis.
  • These agents have been associated with drug-induced liver injury.
  • Hepatic safety data in patients with pre-existing liver conditions are scarce.

Conclusions:

  • Further research is needed to fully understand the hepatic safety profile of these new biologic agents.
  • Careful monitoring is essential for patients with pre-existing liver conditions receiving these treatments.

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