Biologics in inflammatory bowel disease: what are the data?

BackgroundOver the last decade, biologics have gained an important place for the treatment of moderate to severe inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and many randomized control trials have evaluated their efficacy.AimThe goal of this review is to analyze the results of these trials and to highlight the evidence and indications emerging from these studies for their implementation in the management of IBD patients.MethodsA PubMed search was realized to screen high-quality clinical trials studying biologic agents currently available in clinics for the treatment of IBD. Words used were: “infliximab,” “adalimumab,” “certolizumab,” “golimumab,” “natalizumab,” “vedolizumab,” “ustekinumab,” “azathioprine,” “methotrexate,” “Crohn's disease,” and “ulcerative colitis.”ResultsIn Crohn's disease, studies supporting induction and maintenance therapies were documented for infliximab, adalimumab, certolizumab, natalizumab, vedolizumab, and ustekinumab. Infliximab, adalimumab, and certolizumab have evidences for fistulizing...