A Phase 2 Study of Tofacitinib, an Oral Janus Kinase Inhibitor, in Patients With Crohn's Disease

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Tofacitinib, an orally administered Janus kinase inhibitor, blocks signaling through gamma-chain-containing cytokines (interleukins 2, 4, 7, 9, 15, and 21). We performed a phase 2 trial to measure its efficacy in patients with moderate-to-severe active Crohn's disease. METHODS: Patients (N = 139; age, >= 18 y) with moderate-to-severe active Crohn's disease were assigned randomly to groups given 1 mg (n = 36), 5 mg (n = 34), or 15 mg (n = 35) tofacitinib or placebo (n = 34), twice daily for 4 weeks, at 48 centers in 12 countries. The primary end point was the proportion of clinical responders at week 4 (decrease from baseline in the Crohn's Disease Activity Index score of >= 70 points [Response-70]). Secondary end points included clinical remission (Crohn's Disease Activity Index score of <150 points) at week 4. RESULTS: A clinical response was observed in 36% (P = .467), 58% (P = .466), and 46% (P >= .999) of patients given the 1-, 5-, and 15-mg doses of tofacitinib, compared with 47% of patients given placebo. Clinical remission was observed in 31% (P = .417), 24% (P = .776), and 14% (P = .540) of patients given the 1-, 5-, and 15-mg doses of tofacitinib, compared with 21% of patients given placebo. The 15-mg dose of tofacitinib reduced levels of C-reactive protein and fecal calprotectin from baseline. Adverse and serious adverse events were similar among groups. Dose-dependent increases in low-and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were observed in patients given the 5- or 15-mg doses of tofacitinib. CONCLUSIONS: There were no significant differences in the percentage of patients with moderate-to-severe active Crohn's disease who achieved clinical responses (Response-70) or clinical remission after 4 weeks' administration of tofacitinib (1, 5, or 15 mg) or placebo twice daily. However, a large percentage of patients given placebo achieved Response-70 or remission. Reductions in C-reactive protein and fecal calprotectin levels among patients given the 15-mg dose of tofacitinib indicate its biologic activity.