New targeted therapies such as anti-adhesion molecules, anti-IL-12/23 and anti-Janus kinases are looking toward a more effective treatment of inflammatory bowel disease

Abstract

Antitumor necrosis factor α agents have dramatically changed the management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, a significant proportion of patients does not respond or lose response over time. Hence, there is an urgent need for new molecules, with different mechanisms of action, and with a targeted and more effective approach. These new drugs include either small molecules or biological agents. We describe the three most promising classes of molecules in the field of IBD: anti-adhesion, anti-interleukin 12/23 and anti-Janus Kinases therapies.

Key Words:

• adhesion molecules
• anti-integrins
• anti-interleukin 12/23
• anti-Janus kinases
• Crohn’s disease
• inflammatory bowel disease
• ulcerative colitis

Acknowledgement

Ivana Bravatà, Gionata Fiorino and Mariangela Allocca reviewed the literature, Ivana Bravatà wrote the manuscript, Alessandro Repici and Silvio Danese critically revised the manuscript.

Declaration of interest: Gionata Fiorino served as a consultant and a member of Advisory Boards for MSD, Takeda Pharmaceuticals, and Janssen Pharmaceuticals; Mariangela Allocca received lecture fees from MSD, Takeda; Silvio Danese has served as a speaker, consultant and advisory board member for Schering-Plough, Abbott Laboratories, Merck & Co, UCB Pharma, Ferring, Cellerix, Millenium Takeda, Nycomed, Pharmacosmos, Actelion, Alpha Wasserman, Genentech, Grunenthal, Pfizer, Astra Zeneca, Novo Nordisk, Cosmo Pharmaceuticals, Vifor, and Johnson & Johnson; Alessandro Repici has served as consultant and advisory board for Cosmo Pharmaceuticals, Boston Scientific and Covidien GI solutions. Research grant from Fujifilm, Merit Medical, Ferring, Alfa Wasserman. The other Authors have no conflicts to declare.