Next-Generation Therapeutics for IBD

Various novel drugs have recently been evaluated in clinical trials showing promising effects in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Here, we summarize the recent literature in the area of emerging therapies in the field of IBD, with specific focus on anti-integrin antibodies, such as vedolizumab (anti-α4β7) and etrolizumab (anti-rhuMAb β7), and the Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor tofacitinib. Moreover, we will discuss efficacy and safety data of golimumab (a new subcutaneous anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) antibody), Avaxia (an orally delivered anti-TNF antibody), and Budesonide MMX; all have been developed for the treatment of ulcerative colitis. Other therapeuticals that might find their way to the market the coming years include the anti-mucosal vascular addressin cell adhesion molecule (MAdCAM) PF-00547659, small molecules (including laquinimod and the CCR9 antagonist Vercirnon), as well as an orally active SMAD7 antisense oligonucleotide that showed clinical benefit in Crohn’s disease patients.