This edition presents key opinion leader (KOL) views on recent developments in the ulcerative colitis (UC) market. Topics covered include: Takeda and Portal Instruments announcing the production of a needle-free formulation of Entyvio (vedolizumab); Qu Biologics reporting that QBECO achieved high clinical and endoscopic response ratesin a Phase II trial conducted in patients with moderate-to-severe UC; Protagonist Therapeutics announcing the initiation of dosing in a Phase I study of PTG 200, an agent which it is developing in collaboration with Janssen Biotech for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and other autoimmune conditions; Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian presenting results from a study investigating the use of faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) in patients with UC.
Business Questions:
- Are the new formulations of Entyvio likely to provide any benefit to patients with UC?
- Is the development of both a needle-free and subcutaneous formulation of Entyvio necessary?
- Does QBECO’s composition, based on enteropathic Escherichia coli components, provide a rational basis for the agent’s development as a UC therapy?
- Where is PTG 200 most likely to be positioned within the UC treatment algorithm in the future?
- Do KOLs think that the scientific rationale underlying FMT’s activity supports its development as a treatment for UC and/or other diseases?
- Do KOLs have any concerns about the safety of the FMT procedure?
