P879 Comparative Efficacy of Biologics and Small Molecule Therapies for the Induction and Maintenance of Endoscopic and Histological Remission in Ulcerative Colitis: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis

Abstract

Abstract Background Treatment options for moderate to severe ulcerative colitis (UC) are increasing rapidly, but lack of comparative efficacy trials make treatment choices a clinical challenge. We aimed to compare the relative efficacy of biologics and small molecules in achieving endoscopic and histological remission in patients with moderate to severe UC. Methods The literature was searched between January 1990 and July 2023. Phase 3 placebo or active comparator randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included to assess the efficacy of biologics or small molecule drugs as induction or maintenance therapies for patients with UC. The primary outcome was induction and maintenance of endoscopic improvement (Mayo endoscopic score ≤1), whereas secondary outcomes were the induction and maintenance of endoscopic (Mayo endoscopic score = 0) and histological remission. Sub-analysis was performed based on previous exposure to biologic therapy. We used a random effects model and reported data as odd ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results We identified 34 studies that met our inclusion criteria, with a total of 12,227 patients with UC. Upadacitinib was superior to most biologics in inducing endoscopic improvement and remission as well as maintaining endoscopic improvement and histological remission. Etrasimod ranked second, after upadacitinib, in maintenance of endoscopic improvement in both biologic naive (80.4%) and experienced (78.9%) patients. Infliximab was superior to adalimumab (OR 1.88, 95% CI, 1.07; 3.29) and vedolizumab (OR1.85, 95% CI, 1.13; 3.03) in inducing endoscopic improvement in overall UC patients. Filgotinib 200 mg (OR 4.76, 95% CI, 1.89; 5.88) and vedolizumab (OR 4.16, 95% CI, 2.94; 6.25) were superior to adalimumab in maintaining histological remission. In biologic naive patients, infliximab was found to be superior to adalimumab (OR 1.80, 95% CI, 1.05;3.07), vedolizumab (OR 5.20, 95% CI, 2.04;7.69), and golimumab (OR 6.30, 95% CI, 3.39;9.71) in inducing endoscopic improvement Conclusion Upadacitinib appears to be superior to other therapies in achieving both endoscopic improvement and remission as well as maintaining histological remission. Furthermore, etrasimod, filgotinib and tofacitinib ranked high in achieving these outcomes. This study highlights the role of small molecules drugs as effective alternatives to biologics.