Vedolizumab for ulcerative colitis and crohns disease: results and implications of gemini studies

Vedolizumab (VDZ) is a selective antibody against alpha 4 beta 7-integrin, which targets leukocyte trafficking in the gastrointestinal tract. The GEMINI studies are Phase 3, randomized, placebo-controlled trials to assess the efficacy of VDZ in induction and maintenance of moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis (GEMINI 1) and Crohn's disease (GEMINI 2). Included in these studies are patients who have failed TNF-alpha antagonist therapy. GEMINI 1 showed that VDZ is an effective agent in induction and maintenance of ulcerative colitis. GEMINI 2 met one of two primary end points in the induction phase showing that VDZ is more likely to induce clinical remission compared with placebo. VDZ is an effective agent in the maintenance of Crohn's disease. These studies pave the way to a new class of medications for treatment of inflammatory bowel disease.