Ulcerative colitis is a chronic condition of inflammation that affects the innermost lining of the large intestine and rectum. Symptoms of ulcerative colitis include abdominal pain, bloody stool, and diarrhea that is unresponsive to OTC medications. (1) UC is a progressive disease that has no known cure. Treatment for UC involves a variety of medications that include anti-inflammatory drugs, immune system suppressors, antibiotics, and anti diarrheal medication. If drug therapy and life style changes do not relieve the symptoms of UC surgery of the colon and rectum is a potential means of treatment. (1) However, doctors are testing a drug named Tofactitnib that affects the number of proteins in the immune system that causes UC. (2) It is the newest approach to treating the proteins that make up and suppress the immune response associated with irritable bowel syndrome.
The tested group was 194 patients from around the world that were required to be at least at the age of 18 and diagnosed with UC. Candidates were required to have undergone previous treatment for their disease. The trial lasted for 8 weeks, and consisted of patients receiving a placebo or 3 mg, 10mg, or 15 mg dose of Tofactitnib twice a day orally. The results showed that the most effective dose of Tofactinib that increased the remission rate was 15 mg. Due to the success of this study it has been moved to study the long term effect and maintenance associated with treating UC in phase III trials. (2)
Tofactinib was originally tested to help relieve the symptoms associated with another inflammatory disease called rheumatoid arthritis. However, due to efficiency in treating the proteins associated with immune system response it has shown to be a diverse treatment. Ongoing medical research and differing approaches to treating chronic diseases that have no known cures help relieve the painful symptoms associated with chronic inflammation whether it be in the GI tract or joints.
- Ulcerative Colitis. Mayo Clinic Staff. Oct 20, 2012. Ulcerative Colitis: Definition, Symptoms, & Treatments. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/ulcerative-colitis/DS0059 . July 30,2013.
- Rex, Douglas K M.D. August 15, 2012. Tofacitinib Effective for Ulcerative Colitis. New England Journal of Medicine 2012 August. Retrieved from http://www.jwatch.org/jg201208150000001/2012/08/15/tofacitinib-effective-ulcerative-colitis. July 30, 2013