Switching from VEDOlizumab intravenous to subcutaneous formulation in ulcerative colitis patients in clinical
Davide Giuseppe Ribaldone1, Laura Parisio2, Angela Variola3
1Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.
Background:
The administration of biological drugs in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) is increasingly moving from intravenous to subcutaneous formulations.
Aims:
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of vedolizumab subcutaneous administration after switching from intravenous administration in ulcerative colitis (UC) patients in corticosteroid-free clinical remission.
Methods:
An observational, multicentre, prospective study was conducted by the Italian Group for the study of IBD (IG-IBD). UC patients in clinical remission (pMAYO < 2) not receiving steroids for > 8 months before the switch, and with at least 6 months of follow-up were included. Switch from intravenous to subcutaneous vedolizumab was defined as successful in patients not experiencing a disease flare (pMAYO ≥ 2) or needing oral steroids or stopping subcutaneous vedolizumab during the 6 months of follow-up after the switch.
Results:
Overall, 168 patients were included. The switch was a success in 134 patients (79.8%). Vedolizumab retention rate was 88.7% at month six. C-reactive protein and faecal calprotectin values did not change after the switch (p = 0.07 and p = 0.28, respectively). Ten of the 19 patients who stopped subcutaneous formulation switched back to intravenous formulation recapturing clinical remission in 80%. Side effects were observed in 22 patients (13.1%).
Conclusion:
Effectiveness of switching from intravenous to subcutaneous vedolizumab formulation in UC patients in steroid-free clinical remission is confirmed in a real-world setting.
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Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Ulcerative Colitis
Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, encompasses a group of disorders characterized by chronic inflammation or ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract.
Risk Factors
The exact cause of IBD remains unclear, although it is believed to be due to a mix of genetic, environmental, microbial, and immune factors. Genetic factors are significant in determining susceptibility to IBD, with family history being a critical risk factor. Individuals with a first-degree relative who has IBD are at...


