Biologics for Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Crohn's disease

In multiple studies, almost 70 out of 100 people taking infliximab had fewer symptoms or had healed fistulas.^{Reference 1}

Adalimumab has shown promise in treating Crohn's disease in multiple studies.^{Reference 2} It works like infliximab and may be good for people who are allergic to infliximab.

Certolizumab works in some people to stop the symptoms of Crohn's disease. In these people, certolizumab works well to help keep them free of symptoms (in remission).^{Reference 3, Reference 4}

Studies show that natalizumab works to stop the symptoms Crohn's disease in some people and to keep some people free of symptoms. But natalizumab may cause a serious and life-threatening disease called PML. Because of this risk, natalizumab is only available through a special prescription drug program.^{Reference 5}

Ulcerative colitis

In one study, between 60 and 70 out of 100 people with ulcerative colitis were better 8 weeks after getting infliximab treatment. In another study, twice as many people got better after receiving infliximab compared to those taking a placebo.^{Reference 6}

In one study, almost 20 out of 100 people with ulcerative colitis were better after 8 weeks of using adalimumab.^{Reference 7} This drug hasn't been studied as much for ulcerative colitis compared to other medicines. Doctors still don't know a lot about how well it works.

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