Vedolizumab for Crohn's disease

Abstract

Introduction: Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory disorder of unknown aetiology. Currently, approved therapies that include prednisone, anti-metabolites and TNF antagonists, are often ineffective and frequently cause adverse effects. As a result, patients with CD can develop serious complications that adversely affect quality of life. Consequently, new treatment options are needed. Areas covered: This review discusses the potential role of vedolizumab, a humanised monoclonal antibody that selectively blocks lymphocyte trafficking to the gut, for the treatment of CD. All randomised placebo-controlled trials that evaluated vedolizumab for the treatment of CD were reviewed and safety and efficacy data evaluated. Expert opinion: Vedolizumab is an effective and well-tolerated drug that is an important advance for the treatment of CD. © 2013 Informa UK, Ltd.