Induction of clinical and colonoscopic remission of mild–to–moderate ulcerative colitis with budesonide MMX 9 mg: pooled analysis of two phase 3 studies

BACKGROUND: Conventional oral corticosteroids are effective at reducing inflammation associated with ulcerative colitis (UC); however, systemic adverse effects limit their use. Budesonide MMX is an extended‐release, second‐generation corticosteroid that targets delivery of budesonide to the entire colon. AIM: To analyse efficacy and safety outcomes from two phase 3 studies of budesonide MMX in patients with mild‐to‐moderate active UC. METHODS: Patients were assigned to budesonide MMX 9 mg, budesonide MMX 6 mg, or placebo once daily in two randomised, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, 8‐week studies (CORE I and II). Pooled data were analysed for pre‐defined primary (combined clinical and colonoscopic remission), secondary and exploratory endpoints. Primary endpoint data were analysed to evaluate the potential influence of demographical and baseline disease characteristics on remission. RESULTS: Modified intent‐to‐treat population (histological evidence of baseline inflammation) had 232, 230 and 210 patients in budesonide MMX 9 mg, budesonide MMX 6 mg and placebo groups respectively. Combined clinical and colonoscopic remission rates were significantly greater than placebo (6.2%) for the budesonide MMX 9 mg group (17.7%; P = 0.0002), but not the budesonide MMX 6 mg group (10.9%). The primary endpoint of remission with budesonide MMX 9 mg was significantly greater than placebo in most subgroups analysed. Symptom resolution and colonoscopic improvement rates were significantly greater with budesonide MMX 9 mg vs. placebo. Budesonide MMX was safe and well tolerated. CONCLUSION: This pooled analysis showed that budesonide MMX 9 mg is efficacious, safe and well tolerated for inducing remission of mild‐to‐moderate UC.