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.

Abstract

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.

Related Concept Videos

Drugs for Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis in IBD01:29

Drugs for Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis in IBD

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory condition primarily affecting the colon and rectum. The primary drugs used in the treatment of ulcerative colitis are aminosalicylates. They exhibit anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties. They modulate inflammatory mediators and inhibit the activity of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB). Aminosalicylates also reduce inflammation by inhibiting prostaglandin and leukotriene production and decreasing neutrophil chemotaxis and superoxide...
130
Inflammatory Bowel Disease IV: Pharmacological Management01:29

Inflammatory Bowel Disease IV: Pharmacological Management

Upon diagnosis, managing Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) involves addressing several crucial aspects. The primary goals include resting the bowel, correcting malnutrition, and providing symptomatic relief. Resting the bowel may consist of medications to reduce inflammation and promote healing. Correcting malnutrition is essential, often requiring dietary adjustments and nutritional supplements. Symptomatic relief aims to ease pain, diarrhea, and other discomforts in IBD.
Pharmacologic...
122
Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Immunomodulatory Agents01:29

Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Immunomodulatory Agents

Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disorder marked by chronic inflammation of the GI tract. Various treatment strategies for Crohn's disease are employed, such as immunomodulatory agents, glucocorticoids, and biologics or anti-TNF therapy. Azathioprine (Imuran), a commonly used immunomodulatory drug for Crohn's disease, is converted in the body to mercaptopurine, which inhibits purine biosynthesis and cell proliferation. Both are utilized in severe cases of Inflammatory Bowel...
145
Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Biologic Agents: Anti-TNF01:24

Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Biologic Agents: Anti-TNF

Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF), a proinflammatory cytokine, contributes significantly to the inflammation seen in Crohn's disease. It exists as soluble TNF and membrane-bound TNF, with actions mediated through TNF receptors (TNFR). TNFR activation leads to the release of proinflammatory cytokines, T-cell activation, collagen production, and leukocyte migration, all contributing to inflammation in Crohn's disease. Anti-TNF monoclonal antibodies, namely infliximab (Remicade), adalimumab...
120
Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Diagnostic Studies and Management I-Nutritional Therapy01:30

Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Diagnostic Studies and Management I-Nutritional Therapy

Various diagnostic tests are employed in the diagnostic process for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), particularly to differentiate between Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
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...
328
Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Glucocorticoids01:21

Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Glucocorticoids

Glucocorticoids, a class of anti-inflammatory drugs, are pivotal in treating moderate to severe Crohn's disease by inducing remission. They exhibit their anti-inflammatory action by inhibiting the production of inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1, and chemokines like IL-8. In addition, they reduce the expression of inflammatory cell adhesion molecules and inhibit gene transcription of nitric oxide synthase, phospholipase A2, cyclooxygenase-2...
98