Review article: biological drugs in Crohn's disease

Abstract

Biological drugs have opened new therapeutic horizons for treating Crohn's disease (CD), but have also brought with them issues related to immunogenicity, long-term efficacy, safety and cost. At present, inhibitors tumour necrosis factor and adhesion molecules are the most advanced in use and development. When treating luminal disease with infliximab, two-thirds of patients respond initially. The ACCENT 1 study demonstrated that 28% of initial responders are in remission for 1 year. Infliximab has also had a major impact on the management of Crohn's anorectal fistulas. The ACCENT 2 study demonstrated initial response in two-thirds of patients. One-fifth of all treated patients were healed at..