Network Meta-Analysis: Efficacy of Biological Therapies and Small Molecules as Maintenance Therapy in Ulcerative
Brigida Barberio1, David J Gracie2,3, Christopher J Black2,3
1Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology (DISCOG), Gastroenterology Unit, University of Padova-Azienda Ospedaliera di Padova, Padova, Italy.
Background:
Numerous biologics and small molecules are licensed as maintenance therapy for ulcerative colitis (UC). Differences in the design of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) have not been considered when comparing efficacy between them.
Aims:
To examine the relative efficacy of biologics and small molecules by network meta-analysis according to trial design.
Methods:
We searched the literature to 27 February 2025 for RCTs. We judged efficacy using clinical remission, endoscopic improvement, endoscopic remission, or corticosteroid-free remission and according to previous exposure or non-exposure to advanced therapies. Random effects model with data reported as pooled relative risks (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI); drugs ranked by p-score.
Results:
We identified 28 RCTs, 16 re-randomising 6568 patients and 12 treating through 3771 patients. In re-randomised studies, upadacitinib 30 mg o.d. ranked first for clinical remission (RR of failure to achieve clinical remission = 0.52; 95% CI 0.44-0.61, p-score 0.99) and endoscopic improvement (RR = 0.43; 95% CI 0.35-0.52, p-score 0.99). Vedolizumab 300 mg 4-weekly ranked first for endoscopic remission (RR = 0.73; 95% CI 0.64-0.84, p-score 0.92) and guselkumab 200 mg 4-weekly first for corticosteroid-free remission (RR = 0.40; 95% CI 0.28-0.55, p-score 0.95). In treat-through studies, etrasimod 2 mg o.d. ranked first for clinical remission (RR = 0.73; 95% CI 0.64-0.83, p-score 0.88) and infliximab 10 mg/kg 8-weekly first for endoscopic improvement (RR = 0.64; 95% CI 0.56-0.74, p-score 0.94).
Conclusion:
In network meta-analysis, upadacitinib and etrasimod were consistently efficacious as maintenance therapy in UC.
Insights
Upadacitinib and etrasimod show consistent efficacy for ulcerative colitis (UC) maintenance therapy. This network meta-analysis highlights their effectiveness based on trial design, offering insights for treatment selection in UC patients.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Pharmacology
- Clinical Trials
Background:
- Numerous biologics and small molecules are available for ulcerative colitis (UC) maintenance therapy.
- Existing comparisons of treatment efficacy often overlook variations in randomized controlled trial (RCT) designs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a network meta-analysis comparing the relative efficacy of biologics and small molecules for UC maintenance therapy.
- To account for differences in trial design when evaluating treatment effectiveness.
Main Methods:
- Literature search for RCTs up to February 27, 2025.
- Efficacy assessed by clinical remission, endoscopic improvement, endoscopic remission, or corticosteroid-free remission.
- Random effects model used with pooled relative risks (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI); drugs ranked by p-score.
Main Results:
- Analysis included 28 RCTs (16 re-randomizing, 12 treat-through).
- In re-randomized studies, upadacitinib ranked highest for clinical remission and endoscopic improvement.
- In treat-through studies, etrasimod ranked highest for clinical remission, and infliximab for endoscopic improvement.
Conclusions:
- Upadacitinib and etrasimod demonstrated consistent efficacy as maintenance therapies for ulcerative colitis (UC).
- Findings provide valuable comparative efficacy data considering different trial designs for UC treatments.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Drugs for Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis in IBD
Inflammatory Bowel Disease IV: Pharmacological Management
Pharmacologic...
Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Immunomodulatory Agents
Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Biologic Agents: Anti-TNF
Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Diagnostic Studies and Management I-Nutritional Therapy
Diagnostic studies
A colonoscopy is the definitive screening test, distinguishing ulcerative colitis from other colon diseases with similar symptoms. During a colonoscopy test, inflamed mucosa with exudate ulcerations can be observed, and biopsies are taken to determine the histologic characteristics of the...
Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Glucocorticoids


