According to the CDC, an estimated 3.1 million adults (1.3%) in the United States have been diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
Although Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease can be managed, there is currently no cure. Many people with the complex condition are plagued by persistent inflammation of the lower intestine and pain.
Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease can affect people in different ways. For some the pain may be continuous, for others, it’s mild unless there’s a flare-up.
Some people with ulcerative colitis will find that it gradually develops, while others are hit with full force immediately. However, one drug is showing promise for those living with ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.
Inside the drug
Rinvoq (upadacitinib, AbbVie) was effective in treating Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, according to recent research. The pill works by stopping some of the activity of certain proteins found in your body. Janus kinase (JAK) proteins contribute to the overactivity of the immune system, which can lead to inflammation and damage the colon lining causing ulcerative colitis symptoms to appear.
AbbVie executives presented the study results at the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG)’s Annual Scientific Meeting, held October 21-26 in Charlotte, North Carolina, and virtually.
The study evaluated upadacitinib in adult patients with moderate to severe Crohn’s disease who had an inadequate response or were intolerant to a conventional or biologic therapy, AbbVie said in a news release.
Crohn’s disease patients were treated with either dose of upadacitinib (15 mg or 30 mg once daily).
Nearly half (49%) of patients treated with a 12-week induction regimen of upadacitinib 45 mg daily achieved clinical remission at week 12 compared to placebo (29%). Additionally, a significant 46% of patients treated with upadacitinib 45 mg achieved endoscopic response at week 12 compared to the placebo group (12%).
What’s more, all patients involved in the study achieved…
