Safety of vedolizumab in the treatment of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis

Abstract

Introduction: Vedolizumab is the latest FDA-approved anti-integrin therapy for treatment of moderate-to-severe inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The safety and efficacy of vedolizumab have been studied in short-term clinical trials.

Areas covered: This paper reviews the safety profile of vedolizumab compared with other biologics. It also highlights the mechanism of action of the medication. We discuss the current position of vedolizumab in our current algorithm for IBD management and comment on future prospects of the drug.

Expert opinion: Vedolizumab appears to be a safe and effective option in the treatment of moderate-to-severe IBD in the short term. Long-term observational studies and post-marketing safety data are needed to ascertain the long-term efficacy and side effect profile.

Keywords:

• anti-adhesion molecule
• anti-integrin
• Crohn’s disease
• inflammatory bowel disease
• natalizumab
• ulcerative colitis
• vedolizumab

Declaration of interest

R Cross has received consulting, educational and research Grants, participation in advisory boards from Abbvie; Consulting, Educational Grants, participation in advisory boards from Janssen; Consulting and educational grants from Takeda. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.