[Current position on Vedolizumab for ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease].

Authors:
S Schreiber, A U Dignass, H Hartmann, W Kruis, G Rogler, B Siegmund, A Stallmach, C Witte, B Bokemeyer
Year of publication:
2015
Volume:
53
Issue:
6
Issn:
0044-2771
Journal title abbreviated:
Z GASTROENTEROL
Journal title long:
Zeitschrift für Gastroenterologie
Impact factor:
1.338
Abstract:
Vedolizumab, the first drug in the class of anti-integrin molecules, is newly approved for ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease and can be prescribed in Germany since mid-2014. By a specific receptor binding a relatively gut-selective mode of action was achieved without the known side effects of the systemic immunosuppression of the anti-TNF-alpha antibodies. According to the present data the safety profile of Vedolizumab appears to be more favorable than that of the anti-TNF- alpha therapy. Vedolizumab is suitable for induction therapy in patients with ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, however the kinetic of response compared with the anti-TNF-alpha antibodies seems to be slower. For maintenance therapy the Vedolizumab data show a deep and sustained remission in patients initially responding to induction therapy with a lower loss of efficacy in the long-term treatment known from the anti-TNF-alpha therapy. On the basis of currently available data the efficacy of Vedolizumab in ulcerative colitis appears to be slightly better than in Crohn's disease.