Nuvion
Protein Design Labs is currently testing Nuvion (visilizumab) for use in treating ulcerative colitis. The drug is administered by injection once each day for two days. In one trial of patients with intravenous steroid-resistant ulcerative colitis, 51 of 76 patients responded to treatment.
Two trials are currently underway: a trial in Crohn’s disease patients, and another trial with patients who have intravenous steroid-resistant ulcerative colitis.
Alequel
Enzo Biochem has completed a study of Alequel in 31 patients with moderate to severe Crohn’s disease. The drug is a personalized treatment of a protein-containing extract that is created from tissue from the patient’s colon and administered orally. Remission was achieved by 58 percent of patients on the drug, versus 29 percent with a placebo. In addition, 43 percent of patients reported a better quality of life, compared to 12 percent of those receiving placebo.
Alicaforsen
Alicaforsen is being developed by Isis Pharmaceuticals. The drug is administered by enema and is being tested for use in ulcerative colitis. Isis plans to move forward with further trials of alicaforsen.
Sources:
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