Ozanimod Merits Further Investigation as Ulcerative Colitis Therapy

Ozanimod is an investigational oral sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P)-receptor modulator that degrades subtype 1 receptors, which affect the movement of lymphocytes from lymphoid organs into the blood.

To assess its efficacy in treating ulcerative colitis (both induction and maintenance phases), investigators conducted an industry-funded, phase II trial. They randomized 199 adults with moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis to receive ozanimod 1.0 mg, ozanimod 0.5 mg, or placebo daily for 32 weeks. The primary outcome was clinical remission (Mayo Clinic overall score ≤2 and no subscore >1) at 8 weeks. Results were as follows:

• Clinical remission at 8 weeks occurred in 16%, 14%, and 6% of the 1.0-mg, 0.5-mg, and placebo groups, respectively (P=0.048…