Novel Immune Modulator, Omvoh approval, workplace challenges

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Novel Immune Modulator Has Potential to Change Treatment Approach in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Ulcerative Colitis (3 minute read)

An upcoming clinical trial will study the potential of a novel immune modulator to down-regulate activated T cells and reduce inflammation and tissue damage in patients with moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis (UC) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). About 1.5 million people in the U.S. have UC, and only an estimated one in four treated patients with UC achieve clinical remission after one year of therapy. Researchers are studying PD-1 (programmed cell death protein-1) agonist antibodies in UC and RA, targeting activated T cells in inflamed tissue and the periphery in an attempt to break through the "efficacy ceiling" commonly observed in UC. AnaptysBio is studying rosnilimab, which targets specifically PD-1+ T cells, and has the potential to reduce inflammation and tissue damage. The Phase 1 trial showed the drug to be well tolerated with no significant safety signals and an estimated two-week half-life. Anaptys anticipates announcing top-line data from its global Phase 2b trial in RA in mid-2025 and top-line data from its global Phase 2 trial in UC in the first half of 2026.

Should I Be Taking Supplements? (3 minute read)

The U.S. dietary supplement industry has grown exponentially in the past 30 years, but most of these products have not been rigorously tested for safety or effectiveness. There are a few situations where taking a supplement can be beneficial, such as if a person has a nutrient deficiency, is pregnant, or is in middle or older age. Research has found that omega-3 fatty acid, vitamin D, and multivitamin supplements may provide some health benefits. However, these products should be taken with caution as they can sometimes be harmful. People should always consult their doctor before taking a supplement, and use it as an addition to a balanced diet and exercise.

Patients with IBD at increased risk for respiratory syncytial virus infection (2 minute read)

This article discussed a study presented at the American College of Gastroenterology Annual Meeting which found that adult patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have an increased risk of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection and hospitalization. The risk was higher in those with certain comorbidities and who were taking certain IBD medications. The study analyzed data from a multi-institutional research network and found that patients with IBD had an increased risk for RSV infection across all age groups. Gastroenterology providers should educate their patients regarding the risks of RSV and encourage those eligible to receive the RSV vaccine.

Eli Lilly enters crowded ulcerative colitis market with delayed FDA approval for Omvoh (3 minute read)

Eli Lilly has approved mirikizumab, an IL-23 inhibitor, as the first IL-23 inhibitor to enter the ulcerative colitis field. The approval allows the drug to be used as an infusion and subcutaneous injection to treat moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis. The drug has already won approvals in Japan and Europe and received reimbursement recommendations in England. Omvoh, which selectively targets IL-23, is viewed as a better therapy than J&J's Stelara, which targets both IL-12 and IL-23.

Overcoming the challenges of IBD in the workplace (13 minute read)

Employers can offer support to employees suffering from IBD, as it is often considered a hidden disability. The disease can affect productivity and work performance, and there is often stigma attached to symptoms. To help employees cope with IBD, employers should be respectful, educate, and provide accommodations that are fair and equitable while protecting individual privacy. Open dialogue and education are essential for creating a plan for accommodations.

Vitamin D Deficiency May Be Linked To Development Of Ulcerative Colitis (2 minute read)

In a recent study, published in the European Journal of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, researchers found that ulcerative colitis (UC) patients had significantly lower levels of vitamin D when compared to healthy controls, suggesting a link between the two. The research team conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of various case-control studies and found that UC patients had a standardized mean difference (SMD) of -0.83 with a 95% confidence interval (CI) ranging from -1.18 to -0.48. They also found that vitamin D deficiency was more common in the UC group than in the healthy control group. These findings suggest that further research should be done to understand the connection between vitamin D levels and UC, with the potential to lead to innovative strategies for UC management.

Using Enemas to Treat Ulcerative Colitis (5 minute read)

While treatments focus on long-term prevention, short-term options like an enema can alleviate pain and discomfort. An enema is a preparation injected into the rectum, providing deeper penetration into the rectum and large intestine. Different types of enemas are prescribed by doctors, and home-based options may also be helpful.

Guselkumab Leads to Rapid Ulcerative Colitis Symptom Improvement (3 minute read)

The study QUASAR Induction Study found that guselkumab (Tremfya) showed symptomatic improvements within one week for patients with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis (UC). The symptomatic response was seen between the guselkumab group and the placebo arm as early as week 1, with a difference of 9.5 percentage points. By week 12, the difference between groups was 37.0 percentage points. A statistically significant difference in symptomatic remission was seen at week 4, with a difference of 9.9 percentage points. The study was conducted in a relatively refractory population, with patients receiving tumor necrosis factor alpha antagonists, vedolizumab, and/or tofacitinib.

What’s the Link Between C.diff and Ulcerative Colitis? (6 minute read)

Having ulcerative colitis (UC) on its own can present plenty of challenges when it comes to managing symptoms, but that effort may get tougher if you develop an issue known as C.diff—a bacterial infection that’s one of the most common complications of UC.

What Will My UC Be Like on My Wedding Day? (2 minute read)

This article discusses how the author managed her ulcerative colitis while planning her wedding. She planned ahead and was mindful about what she ate, avoiding trigger foods, alcohol, and caffeine. She also managed her stress levels by staying organized and delegating certain tasks to others. With these strategies, she was able to enjoy her wedding day without any difficulty from her UC.