6 myths about IBD, personal stories about IBD, new promising treatments, Crohn's & Colitis podcast

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6 Myths About IBD, Debunked (7 minute read)

Michelle Pickens, diagnosed with Crohn's disease, faced misdiagnosis and a lack of understanding. Initial symptoms—vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain—were dismissed as stress. Conventional tests showed nothing until a pill-sized camera revealed inflammation deep in her bowel. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) affects the digestive tract and can lead to serious complications. Common misconceptions include equating IBD with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), thinking it only impacts the gut, believing diet alone can cure it, assuming only adults are affected, considering surgery a cure (it often requires ongoing medication), and underestimating available treatment options. Despite challenges, individuals like Michelle advocate for awareness and support.

Positive CHMP opinion for etrasimod in adults and older adolescents with ulcerative colitis (2 minute read)

Etrasimod, marketed as Velsipity, has received a positive opinion from the European Medicines Agency's Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP). Pfizer's oral, once-daily selective sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) receptor modulator is approved in the EU for moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis in patients aged 16 and older, who had inadequate response or intolerance to conventional or biological therapies. If approved by the European Commission, it would be the first global approval for an oral advanced ulcerative colitis therapy in older adolescents.

Former MLB Star Dexter Fowler Is Hitting Gut Issues Out of the Park (2 minute read)

Dexter Fowler, a pro-baseball player diagnosed with ulcerative colitis (UC) in 2008, faced challenges like abdominal pain and fatigue during games. To cope, he openly communicated with teammates about his condition, receiving their support. Fowler prioritized planning, avoiding trigger foods, and carrying a Restroom Access Card for emergencies. Stress management, including family time and golf, helped him combat UC-related flare-ups. The article also highlights the importance of consulting a doctor for symptoms related to gut diseases, emphasizing early detection for conditions like IBS, IBD, and colon cancer.

PSMA-PET shows promise in patients with IBD (2 minute read)

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University found that PET scans, commonly used for diagnosing prostate cancer, may also be valuable in detecting inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Using the F-18 DCFPyL radiotracer, approved for prostate cancer relapse diagnosis, the study demonstrated its effectiveness in revealing inflamed intestinal mucosa in active IBD patients. Current IBD detection lacks a single reliable test, but the study suggests that PSMA-targeted F-18 DCFPyL PET could serve as a noninvasive imaging agent for assessing location, extent, and disease activity in IBD patients, aiding in therapeutic decisions.

AGA releases the first comprehensive evidence-based guideline on management of pouchitis (2 minute read)

The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) has issued the first evidence-based guideline for managing pouchitis, a common complication in ulcerative colitis patients post-colon surgery. Pouchitis, inflammation of a surgically created pouch in the small intestine, affects up to 80% of patients. The AGA recommends antibiotic treatment initially, multi-strain probiotics post-antibiotics to prevent recurrence, and advanced immunosuppressive medications for non-responsive cases. The guideline identifies four types of inflammatory pouch disorders and emphasizes the significant impact on patients' quality of life. The AGA discourages antibiotic use for primary prevention and doesn't provide a clear stance on probiotic use for prevention. Patient advocate Amber Tresca stresses the guideline's importance in empowering patients with pouchitis awareness and treatment options.

Introducing Crohn’s & Colitis UK: The Podcast (2 minute read)

Crohn’s & Colitis UK introduces a new podcast hosted by Geraldine Cooper and Luke Bligh, both personally affected by Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Having experienced the challenges of living with Crohn’s and Colitis, they aim to create a platform for the community to share their stories and provide valuable insights. The podcast covers diverse experiences, acknowledging the uniqueness of each person's journey with IBD. Cooper and Bligh emphasize the importance of conversation and hope the podcast, available on platforms like Apple, Acast, and Spotify, brings a sense of connection to the community.

Chronic Illness & Identity: How Crohn’s Impacted My Relationship With Myself (3 minute read)

The author reflects on the profound connection between physical and mental health, realizing the impact of a prolonged Crohn's Disease flare-up on their personality. Crohn's, an autoimmune condition affecting the digestive tract, led to abdominal pain, altered social behavior, and self-perception. Initially attributing changes to personal choices, the author later recognizes the influence of health challenges, including medication side effects and social discomfort. The experience prompts a deeper understanding of how chronic illness can reshape one's identity, challenging societal norms of self-definition. The narrative highlights the struggle of being honest about mental health struggles stemming from a physical condition, emphasizing the need for self-awareness amid such challenges.

Boomerang Medical completes enrolment milestone in pilot trial (2 minute read)

California-based Boomerang Medical has achieved a significant milestone by successfully enrolling participants with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis in its BOOM-IBD clinical trial, investigating a breakthrough device for treating inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The device, designed to read electrical activity in the body, aims to stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing stress and inflammation. The FDA granted breakthrough designation to Boomerang Medical's technology, and the trial involves multiple sites, including Mount Sinai and the University of Pennsylvania. The Comprehensive Digestive Institute of Nevada designed the trial, and GlobalData reports a prospective $10.7bn market for Neuromodulation Devices by 2030. Enrollment rates in IBD trials have historically been low, but Boomerang's progress marks a promising advancement.

Charlotte teen raising money to find cure for Crohn's disease with musical light display (3 minute video)

A 15-year-old named Matthew de Roers in South Charlotte has created a spectacular holiday light show synced to music, featuring over 6,000 lights and decorations. Matthew took on this tradition from a neighbor and uses the show to raise funds for the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation. Diagnosed with Crohn's disease in May, Matthew manages his condition with treatment. The display, located at 15333 Prescott Hill Avenue, runs from 7 to 10 PM daily until January 1st. Matthew's festive charity effort aims to spread holiday spirit and support others affected by Crohn's disease.