Is Also the Patient Ready for Switching from Intravenous to Subcutaneous Biologics?

Abstract

We read with great interest the paper by Vermeire et al., confirming the efficacy and safety of a novel vedolizumab subcutaneous [SC] formulation in Crohn’s disease [CD].1 Most existing data focus on the medical aspects of switching to SC formulations.1,2 The role of the patient remains underexposed, although it is one of the key factors in the switching process. In this regard, the PREVIEW trial in our centre evaluated the willingness to switch from intravenous [IV] to SC therapy in patients with inflammatory bowel disease [IBD]. A questionnaire was proposed to all patients treated with IV therapy [CT-P13 and vedolizumab] for at least 6 weeks between December 1, 2020 until February 28, 2021 [before to the market introduction of SC alternatives]. All patients were educated about the upcoming SC alternatives, the new care pathway, and the questions that would be addressed in the survey. From...