Biologics beyond Anti-TNF Agents for Ulcerative Colitis - Efficacy, Safety, and Cost?

Ulcerative colitis typically manifests in young adults in their 20s and 30s and can progress from mild asymptomatic rectal inflammation to debilitating extensive colitis resulting in frequent bloody stools, systemic symptoms, and colorectal cancer.(1) Approximately one third of patients with distal ulcerative colitis at the time of diagnosis will have more extensive colitis by 10 years,(2) and 10 to 15% of patients with ulcerative colitis will ultimately require a colectomy.(3-5) Biologic agents are recommended for patients with moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis who have not had a response to conventional therapies such as aminosalicylates, corticosteroids, or immunomodulators or who cannot receive such . . .