Facing the challenges of IBD therapy

Abstract

Despite the absence of an identified causative factor in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), improvements in therapy are being made. New agents, such as anti-tumour necrosis factor monoclonal antibody, are showing impressive results in early trials of patients with Crohn’s disease. And older agents, such as mesalazine, are being studied in various combinations and regimens to identify optimal use. These were among the numerous issues relating to IBD that were discussed at the Annual Meeting of the American Gastroenterological Association and Digestive Disease Week [ New Orleans, US; May 1994 ].