Vedolizumab Is Effective for Induction and Maintenance in IBD

Phase II studies suggest that vedolizumab, a monoclonal antibody, might be effective in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It could also present an alternative to natalizumab, which is associated with progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, a devastating brain infection.

In two separate but similarly designed industry-supported, phase III trials, investigators randomized patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn disease (CD) to receive 300 mg of intravenous vedolizumab or placebo at weeks 0 and 2. A separate large group of patients was treated with open-label vedolizumab, and those who responded were randomized to maintenance therapy with vedolizumab at 4-week or 8-week intervals or placebo.

Results of the UC trial included:

• Induction…