Optimal Care With Guselkumab In Crohn's Disease

Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic and destructive inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract characterized by phases of relapse and remission. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) antagonists, anti-integrins and anti-interleukin (IL) 12/23 are the main therapeutic agents to obtain deep remission and prevent disability. Despite the significant advances these biologics represent in treating inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), many patients experience suboptimal responses, including primary non-response or a loss of effectiveness over time, often leading to treatment discontinuation. For all these medications, a dose-response relationship has been demonstrated and an increase in dose or dosing frequency is recommended. Dose escalation is now an essential therapeutic approach necessary in 30 to 50% of CD patients treated with biologics. This strategy, supported by international guidelines, allows for long-term efficacy to be maintained without compromising safety.

Guselkumab (GUS) is a monoclonal antibody targeting the p19 subunit of IL-23. In a recent phase III trial (GALAXI), GUS demonstrated superiority of both subcutaneous (SC) maintenance doses (200 mg every 4 weeks [q4w] and 100 mg every 8 weeks [q8w]) compared to placebo and ustekinumab. In the GALAXI phase III program, at least 30% of patients did not achieve clinical response after a 12-week intravenous induction, and almost 20% experienced a loss of response by week 44. In these patients, the benefit of an intensified dose of GUS (200 mg q4w) maintenance remains to be determined to guide clinicians in optimizing its use in clinical practice. The investigator aimed to evaluate the one-year effectiveness of GUS in CD in real-world settings and under optimal conditions allowing dose intensification.