Ulcerative colitis - treatment with biologicals

Abstract

The pharmacological treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC) aims to reduce the inflammatory process and maintain remission of symptoms1,2. Despite the therapeutic progress, treatment options for moderate to severe active UC remain limited, due to the partial control obtained with conventional therapy (sulfasalazine, aminosalicylates, glycyclorticoids and immunosuppressants) in a substantial proportion of patients, and the existence of adverse events. Currently, the drugs of choice for the therapeutic approach of these patients are anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha (anti-TNF-α) agents, infliximab, adalimumab, and golimumab, and more recently, the anti-integrin agent (vedolizumab) selective antagonist of this adhesion molecule in the intestine.