Designing biologic selectivity for inflammatory bowel disease - role of vedolizumab

Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are two chronic inflammatory bowel conditions. Current approved biologic therapies are limited to blocking tumor necrosis factor alpha. Unfortunately, some patients are primary nonresponders, experiencing a loss of response, intolerance, or side effects. This defines an unmet need for novel therapeutic strategies. The rapid recruitment and inappropriate retention of leukocytes is a hallmark of chronic inflammation and a potentially promising therapeutic target. Here we discuss the clinical trial results of vedolizumab (anti-alpha 4 beta 7, LDP-02, MLN-02, and MLN0002) and its impact on future management of inflammatory bowel disease.