Current, new and future biological agents on the horizon for the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases

Abstract

Biological agents for inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) targeting tumor necrosis factor (TNF) have changed the way to treat IBD refractory to standard medications and allowed us to reach new therapeutic goals such as mucosal healing and deep remission. A better understanding of the components of the pathological processes that are a hallmark of IBD has led to the development of a new family of biological agents in Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Biosimilars, which are copy versions of currently licensed biological agents, will be soon available. The biosimilar of infliximab is as effective and as safe as its originator in rheumatologic conditions, while a new anti-TNF agent, namely golimumab, has been recently approved for refractory ulcerative colitis. Beyond TNF blockers, anti-adhesion molecules appear to be a potent drug class for IBD. Vedolizumab was recently approved for both Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Numerous other compounds are in the pipeline. Ustekinumab looks very promising for Crohn's disease. Smad7 antisense oligonucleotide might enrich our armamentarium if preliminary data are confirmed in upcoming clinical trials. Herein, we review the efficacy and safety of new and emerging biological agents that are currently investigated in IBD clinical trials.

Keywords: Crohn’s disease; anti-TNF agents; biologics; inflammatory bowel diseases; ulcerative colitis.

Figure 1.

The therapeutic pipeline in Crohn’s disease. Drugs are categorized based on the mechanism of action. Purple symbols indicate oral drugs. rh, recombinant human; IL, interleukin; TNF, tumor necrosis factor.

Figure 2.

The therapeutic pipeline in ulcerative colitis. Drugs are categorized based on the mechanism of action. Purple symbols indicate oral drugs. IL, interleukin; TNF, tumor necrosis factor.