| Theme | Recent advance in the treatment of IBD based on the pathogenesis | |
|---|---|---|
| Title | Oral administration of α4 integrin antagonist | |
| Publish Date | 2018/05 | |
| Author | Katsuyoshi Matsuoka | Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University |
| Author | Mamoru Watanabe | Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University |
| [ Summary ] | The organ specificity of lymphocyte infiltration into the site of inflammation is secured by the combinations of cell adhesion molecules expressed on vascular endothelial cells at the site of inflammation and integrins expressed on lymphocytes. It has been shown that inhibiting lymphocyte infiltration into the intestinal lamina propria is a promising treatment target for inflammatory bowel disease. AJM300 is an oral small molecule which is an α4 integrin inhibitor. A phase 2a clinical trial demonstrated its efficacy for patients with moderately active ulcerative colitis. AJM300 is expected to emerge as a new treatment option for ulcerative colits in the near future. On the other hand, it is required we pay extreme caution to the development of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, which is a serious side effect associated with α4 integrin inhibitors. | |