Current and Emerging Biologics for Ulcerative Colitis

• Published in: Gut and liver Vol. 9; no. 1; pp. 18 - 27
• Main Authors: Park, Sung Chul, Jeen, Yoon Tae
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Korea (South) Gut and Liver 01.01.2015; Gastroenterology Council for Gut and Liver; 거트앤리버 소화기연관학회협의회
• Subjects: Adalimumab; Antibodies, Monoclonal - therapeutic use; Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized - therapeutic use; Biological Factors - therapeutic use; biological therapies; Cell Adhesion Molecules - antagonists & inhibitors; Colitis, Ulcerative - drug therapy; Humans; Infliximab; Janus Kinases - antagonists & inhibitors; Piperidines - therapeutic use; Pyrimidines - therapeutic use; Pyrroles - therapeutic use; Review; ulcerative colitis; 내과학; Biological therapies; Ulcerative colitis
• ISSN: 1976-2283; 2005-1212; 2005-1212
• DOI: 10.5009/gnl14226

Conventional medical treatment for ulcerative colitis can have limited efficacy or severe adverse reactions requiring additional treatment or colectomy. Hence, different biological agents that target specific immunological pathways are be-ing investigated for treating ulcerative colitis. Anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) agents were the first biologics to be used for treating inflammatory bowel disease. For example, infliximab and adalimumab, which are anti-TNF agents, are be-ing used for treating ulcerative colitis. Recently, golimumab, another anti-TNF agent, and vedolizumab, an anti-adhesion therapy, have been approved for ulcerative colitis by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. In addition, new medications such as tofacitinib, a Janus kinase inhibitor, and etrolizumab, another anti-adhesion therapy, are emerging as therapeutic agents. Therefore, there is a need for further studies to select appropriate patient groups for these biologics and to improve the outcomes of ulcerative colitis treatment through appropriate medical usage.