Drug advances in inflammatory bowel disease

Abstract

The pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) remains incompletely understood, but is thought to be a consequence of immune dysregulation, impaired mucosal integrity, enteric bacterial dysbiosis and genetic susceptibility factors. Recent drug advances in the treatment of IBD have clarified the role of existing medication, including 5-aminosalicylic acids (5-ASAs) and has seen a burgeoning use of treatment with biologicals. With recent advances in our understanding of these debilitating diseases, it is hoped that novel therapeutic targets can be identified. © Royal College of Physicians, 2013.