Crohn’s disease is a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes chronic inflammation within the digestive tract. This condition can impact any part of the gastrointestinal system, from the mouth to the anus, making its management complex. The pharmaceutical company Takeda develops therapies aimed at addressing the underlying inflammation associated with IBD, providing targeted options for patients.
Takeda’s Primary Crohn’s Medication
Takeda’s principal medication for Crohn’s disease is Entyvio (vedolizumab). This biologic therapy is approved for adults with moderately to severely active Crohn’s disease who have not found relief or could not tolerate other treatments, such as corticosteroids or TNF blockers. The primary objective of Entyvio is to achieve and maintain long-term clinical remission, a state with few to no symptoms.
Clinical studies have demonstrated its effectiveness in helping patients achieve this goal. For instance, the VISIBLE 2 clinical trial showed that nearly half of the patients receiving Entyvio as a maintenance therapy achieved long-term clinical remission. Having been used by physicians for over a decade, Entyvio fills a specific need for this patient population.
The Gut-Selective Mechanism
Vedolizumab functions as an integrin receptor antagonist. Its defining feature is its “gut-selective” action, meaning the medication is designed to work primarily within the gastrointestinal tract, directly targeting the inflammatory process where it occurs in Crohn’s disease.
The medication specifically targets the α4β7 integrin, a protein on the surface of a group of white blood cells called lymphocytes. These lymphocytes are involved in the inflammatory response that drives Crohn’s disease. By binding to this protein, vedolizumab blocks these cells from migrating from the bloodstream into gut tissues. This action reduces the number of inflammatory cells entering the gut.
This targeted mechanism contrasts with older, more systemic immunosuppressants. Because vedolizumab’s action is localized to the gut, it limits the medication’s effects on the broader immune system. This specificity aims to reduce inflammation at the site of the disease while minimizing widespread immunological effects.
Administering the Treatment
Entyvio is administered in two ways. The initial treatment, or induction phase, is given as an intravenous (IV) infusion at a clinic or hospital. This involves a 300 mg dose of vedolizumab that takes about 30 minutes. After the initial doses, patients may continue with IV infusions or switch methods for their maintenance therapy.
For the maintenance phase, patients have the option of a subcutaneous injection, which can be self-administered at home. This formulation is a single-dose prefilled pen with 108 mg of vedolizumab, approved in April 2024 for Crohn’s disease. This at-home option is administered every two weeks and offers greater convenience.
Takeda offers patient support programs to assist with the treatment journey. These services can include help with understanding insurance coverage, managing co-pays, and providing training on how to self-administer the injections. These programs aim to ensure that patients can access and adhere to their prescribed treatment.
Takeda’s Research Pipeline for IBD
Takeda’s work in inflammatory bowel disease extends beyond its current treatments. The company maintains an active research and development (R&D) pipeline focused on new therapeutic options for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. This involves investigating novel molecules and different administration methods.
The development process for new drugs involves rigorous clinical trials to assess both safety and efficacy. Takeda has ongoing studies exploring potential new therapies and formulations. These efforts highlight a long-term investment in the IBD space.
By exploring new scientific pathways, the company aims to address unmet needs within the IBD community. This includes developing treatments for patients who may not respond to existing therapies or who require different administration methods to fit their lifestyles.