Infliximab Monotherapy Research Articles

P0967 The role of bound anti-drug antibodies to infliximab in predicting future immunogenic failure when de-escalating from combination therapy with an immunomodulator to anti-TNF monotherapy (RAPID-IM Study)

Abstract Background Withdrawing immunomodulators (IM) from combination therapy with infliximab (IFX) can lead to immunogenic failure due to development of antibodies to IFX (ATI). Conventional drug sensitive ELISAs detect ATI only when IFX drug levels are undetectable. We investigated whether bound ATIs detected using a novel drug tolerant ELISA taken at time of de-escalation to IFX monotherapy, predicted subsequent loss of response and unfavourable IFX pharmacokinetics in IBD patients on combination therapy. Methods Multicentre case-control retrospective study of IBD patients treated with combination IV IFX and IM. Patients had > 6 months steroid-free clinical (Harvey Bradshaw Index ≤ 4 / Partial Mayo Score ≤ 2) and biochemical remission (C-reactive protein (CRP) <5 mg/L or faecal calprotectin (FCP) <150 µg/g). Cases (withdrew IM and continued IFX monotherapy) were compared to controls (continued combination therapy). The primary endpoint was relapse (clinically active disease with elevated FCP or CRP) over 24 months follow-up; secondary endpoints included changes in therapy and IFX drug levels. Therapeutic drug monitoring with a drug-tolerant ELISA was collected within 3 months of IM withdrawal. Results Bound-ATI were detected in 7/45 (15.6%) cases and 5/37 (13.5%) of controls, none of which tested positive for ATI using drug sensitive ELISA. The groups were well matched, although median duration of combination therapy was longer in cases than controls (41 vs. 20 months, p=0.045) (Table 1). Median duration of follow-up was 17 months. No patients with bound ATI at baseline met the primary endpoint of disease relapse. Higher rates of biochemical disease activity and treatment escalation in the withdrawal group were noted, however ATI status was not associated with these outcomes. When considering changes in IFX levels over subsequent 12 months, there was no significant difference between cases and controls (-0.99 and -0.84 mg/L respectively, p = 0.20). However, in all IM withdrawal patients with ATI, IFX levels reduced from baseline, with greater decreases in IFX drug levels observed in this cohort. Conclusion Drug tolerant ELISA can detect bound-ATI that were previously not measureable using drug sensitive ELISA. However, presence of bound-ATI did not predict subsequent disease relapse suggesting conventional assays are suitable in this setting. In IM withdrawal, ATI positivity is associated with greater risk of reduction in IFX levels, and ultimately, potential immunogenic failure. Higher rates of disease activity were observed in IM withdrawal, suggesting that IM might be important in maintaining disease control.

P0993 Prevention of Postoperative Recurrence of Crohn’s Disease: Comparison of Two Therapeutic Strategies

Abstract Background Postoperative recurrence of Crohn’s disease affects half of patients within 10 years, making prevention crucial. The ECCO recommends immediate postoperative prophylactic treatment for patients with at least one risk factor for recurrence. While this strategy is proven effective for those with multiple risk factors, data on its benefits compared to endoscopy-guided prophylaxis in patients with only one risk factor is lacking. The study aimed to compare immediate postoperative prophylactic treatment with endoscopy-guided prophylaxis in patients with a single risk factor Methods This retrospective bicentric study included patients who underwent ileocolic resection for Crohn’s disease between January 2011 and December 2021, each with one risk factor for postoperative recurrence. Patients were divided into two groups G1 received immediate postoperative prophylactic treatment, while G2 received prophylactic treatment guided by colonoscopy within the first year after surgery. The primary outcome was the frequency of endoscopic recurrence within one year :Rutgeerts score ≥ i2. Secondary outcomes included severe endoscopic recurrence (i4) within 12 months and clinical recurrence at 6 and 24 months. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS26 Results This study included 41 patients divided into two groups. Group 1 (24 patients) had an average age of 34 years, with 58.33% being active smokers.Postoperative treatments were as follows: infliximab (4 patients), infliximab-azathioprine combination (3 patients), adalimumab (4 patients), ustekinumab (1 patient), and azathioprine monotherapy (12 patients). A Rutgeerts score of i2 or higher was found in 13 patients after a median of 9 months post-surgery, with an average follow-up of 3 years Group 2 (17 patients) had an average age of 38 years, with 64.7% being active smokers. Postoperative colonoscopy was performed after a median delay of 8 months. A Rutgeerts score of i2 or higher was found in 10 patients. The treatments initiated after colonoscopy were as follows: infliximab (3 patients), infliximab-azathioprine combination (2 patients), adalimumab (7 patients), azathioprine monotherapy (4 patients), and ustekinumab (1 patient). The average follow-up after surgery was 3 years No significant differences were observed between the groups in terms of endoscopic or severe endoscopic recurrence, or clinical recurrence at 6 and 24 months post-surgery Conclusion In our study, early initiation of prophylactic postoperative treatment for patients with a single risk factor did not reduce clinical or endoscopic recurrence rates. This suggests that avoiding such early treatment could help prevent unnecessary exposure to immunosuppressants and biologics, thereby reducing risks of side effects and high costs

External validation of serum biomarkers predicting short-term and mid/long-term relapse in patients with Crohn’s disease stopping infliximab

ObjectiveIn patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) on combination therapy (infliximab and immunosuppressant) and stopping infliximab (cohort from the study of infliximab diSconTinuation in CrOhn’s disease patients in stable Remission on...

Reactive Immunomodulator Addition to Infliximab Monotherapy Restores Clinical Response in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Meta-Analysis.

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) receiving infliximab (IFX) commonly experience immunogenic loss of response (LOR) by formation of anti-drug antibodies (ADAs). An immunomodulator (IMM) used in combination with initial IFX induction is known to reduce ADA development and improve clinical outcomes. We aimed to assess the impact of reactively adding an IMM to patients on IFX monotherapy. We conducted a retrospective cohort study and systematic review with meta-analysis of patients with IBD demonstrating immunologic LOR, with or without clinical LOR, that had an IMM (azathioprine, 6-mercaptopurine, or methotrexate) reactively added (reactive combination therapy; rCT) to combat elevated ADAs and raise IFX level. Data were extracted for pooled effect size estimation using random-effects models, and ADA and IFX trough levels were compared pre- and post-IMM initiation. We identified 6 patients who received rCT due to rising ADA titers and low IFX levels. Median ADA titer decreased from 506ng/mL (interquartile range (IQR) [416-750]) to 76.5ng/mL (IQR [25.8-232]), an 85% decrease (p = 0.031). Median IFX trough increased from 0.4µg/mL (IQR [0.4-0.48]) to 8.25µg/mL (IQR [3.7-9.6]), a 20.6-fold increase (p = 0.038). Meta-analysis pooled effect size of 7 studies with 89 patients showed an 87% ADA titer reduction [95% confidence interval (CI) = 72-94%], 6.7-fold increased IFX trough (95% CI = 2.4-18.7), and 76% clinical remission rescue rate (95% CI = 59-93%). These results suggest rCT is a valid rescue strategy in patients with immunogenic LOR to IFX to reduce ADA titers, restore therapeutic IFX levels, and recapture clinical remission of IBD.

S1340 Reactive Combination Therapy by Addition of an Immunomodulator to Infliximab Monotherapy Restores Pharmacologic and Clinical Response in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Case Series, Systematic Review, and Meta-Analysis

S1340 Reactive Combination Therapy by Addition of an Immunomodulator to Infliximab Monotherapy Restores Pharmacologic and Clinical Response in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Case Series, Systematic Review, and Meta-Analysis

Comparison of ustekinumab, infliximab and combination therapy in moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis - a study protocol of a randomized, multicenter, head-to-head COMBO-UC trial.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease with a complex etiology that affects the large intestine. Characterized by chronic, bloody diarrhea, UC can lead to severe complications, including an increased risk of colorectal cancer. Despite advancements in conservative treatment, including biologics like anti-TNF agents and ustekinumab (UST), many patients do not achieve full remission. Dual targeted therapy (DTT) combining infliximab (IFX) and UST is a promising approach to improve treatment outcomes. This prospective, randomized, multicenter, head-to-head controlled trial will evaluate the efficacy and safety of UST, IFX, and combination therapy (UST + IFX) in 172 patients with moderate to severe active UC across eight gastroenterology centers in Poland. The study includes a 14-16 week remission induction period followed by a 52-week maintenance phase. Patients will be randomly assigned to one of three treatment arms: IFX monotherapy, UST monotherapy, or IFX + UST combination therapy. Primary endpoint is clinical and endoscopic remission post-induction. Secondary endpoints include clinical response, biochemical remission, histological remission, and quality of life assessments using the Inflammatory Bowel Diseases Questionnaire and 36-Item Short Form Survey. Safety will be monitored through adverse event and serious adverse event reporting. This trial aims to determine whether combining IFX and UST can achieve higher remission rates and better long-term outcomes compared to monotherapy. The results could provide crucial insights into the optimal use of biologic agents in UC treatment, potentially establishing DTT as a standard therapy. The study's design, including extensive follow-up and robust endpoint measures, will contribute to understanding the therapeutic potential and safety profile of this combination therapy.

Studying Outcomes after Steroid-Sparing Immunosuppressive Agent vs. Steroid-Only Treatment for Immune-Related Adverse Events in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) and Melanoma: A Retrospective Case-Control Study.

The effects of steroid-sparing immunosuppressive agents (SSIAs), used for the treatment of immune-related adverse events (irAEs), on immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) antitumor activity is not well known. We compared tumor outcomes of patients who received corticosteroid monotherapy (CS) versus a corticosteroid plus SSIA (CS-SSIA) for irAE treatment, using statistical methods to address immortal time bias. We conducted a retrospective case-control study on patients ≥ 18 years with melanoma or non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated with ≥1 ICI at a quaternary care center between 1 January 2016 and 11 January 2021. Patients were divided into two cohorts: CS or CS-SSIA. We used propensity score nearest-neighbor matching to match on tumor type, stage, and prior lines of therapy. Primary outcomes were progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Secondary outcomes included the time from the start of the irAE treatment to the irAE resolution. Hazard ratios (HRs) for PFS and OS were calculated using the Cox proportional hazard regression method with both (1) the time to the steroid and SSIA as time-varying covariates and (2) a binary exposure classification not accounting for the time to the treatment. A total of 167 patients were included after matching (132 in the CS cohort and 35 in the CS-SSIA cohort). Sixty-six percent of all the patients had melanoma. The most common irAEs requiring treatment were gastroenterocolitis and hepatitis. In an adjusted analysis not accounting for immortal time bias, there were no significant differences in PFS (HR 0.75, 95% CI [0.46-1.23]) or OS (HR 0.82, 95% CI [0.46-1.47]). In analyses using a time-varying treatment indicator, there was a trend toward improved PFS in patients treated with SSIAs (HR 0.54, CI 0.26-1.10). There was no difference in OS (HR 1.11, CI 0.55-2.23). Patients with melanoma who specifically received infliximab had improved PFS compared to patients with CS only, after adjusting for immortal time bias (HR 0.32, CI 0.24-0.43). The use of SSIAs with CS did not have worse outcomes than CS monotherapy. In melanoma, our findings showed improved PFS for the use of infliximab versus steroid monotherapy for irAEs. Large, prospective, randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these findings and guide the optimal treatment of irAEs.

Therapeutic sequencing in inflammatory bowel disease: Determining the optimal position of vedolizumab for long-term Crohn's disease control using real-world evidence.

Several biologics are available for the treatment of moderate to severe Crohn's disease, but data to optimize their use are scarce. Vedolizumab (VDZ) is a gut-selective anti-lymphocyte trafficking monoclonal antibody that was approved in 2014 for the treatment of moderate to severe Crohn's disease. Based on real-world evidence, a model was developed to examine the effect of VDZ's position in the treatment sequence on clinical outcomes. The aim of this study was to develop a model using real-world data to investigate how the positioning of VDZ in a sequence of biologic therapies for CD affects clinical effectiveness outcomes of quality-adjusted life-years (QALYS), patient-reported disease activity, and surgery rates. A semi-Markov sequential model was developed to identify the optimal position of VDZ in a treatment sequence that included corticosteroids (CS), two biologics, and best supportive care (BSC). Using real-world data, three sequences were compared: VDZ as first (position), second, and last biologic (with anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha agents adalimumab (ADA) and infliximab (IFX) and the anti-interleukin-12 and -23 agent ustekinumab (UST) as alternative biologic treatments). Published real-world evidence informed model inputs. Vedolizumab sequences were compared and ranked based on QALYS, patient-reported outcomes from Crohn's disease activity index scores, or proportion of patients undergoing surgery by the 10-year time horizon for model simulation. Sensitivity analyses were used to evaluate the impact of model input uncertainty. Vedolizumab as the first biologic was the optimal position for this treatment according to all criteria, including yielding the highest QALYs (5.09) versus VDZ in second (4.97) and third (4.96) biologic sequence positions in sequences containing CS, anti-TNFα (aggregated data), UST, and BSC; 1780/2000 (89%) probabilistic simulations. In sequences containing ADA, VDZ, and UST biologics, ADA and VDZ in the first-line biologic position yielded QALYs of 5.09 versus 5.07, respectively. Adalimumab as the first biologic was best for clinical remission. This simulation model using real-world evidence indicates that positioning VDZ or ADA as the first biologic is likely to lead to improved long-term patient outcomes when compared to administering these treatments later or starting with IFX monotherapy.

P962 Clinical and endoscopic remission at 3 months after Acute Severe Ulcerative Colitis is predictive of maintenance therapy outcomes at 12 months - Results from PREDICT UC

Abstract Background The optimal maintenance regimen after rescue therapy for Acute Severe Ulcerative Colitis (ASUC) is unknown. We aimed to evaluate prospectively the impact of different maintenance regimens after successful infliximab (IFX) rescue, along with factors associated with Month 12 remission. Methods Clinical responders at 3 months from PREDICT UC, a randomised trial (NCT02770040) comparing standard and intensified IFX rescue strategies, were evaluated in this prospective cohort study up to Month 12. Maintenance therapies were as follows: (1) Thiopurine monotherapy (azathioprine or mercaptopurine) for thiopurine naïve patients or prior suboptimal thiopurine therapy (TP); (2) Combination thiopurine and IFX therapy 5mg/kg 8-weekly for thiopurine-experienced patients (IFX+TP combo); (3) IFX monotherapy 5mg/kg 8-weekly for thiopurine-intolerant patients (IFX mono). All patients received oral 5-aminosalicylates. Clinical and endoscopic assessments were performed at baseline (Month 3) and Month 12. Clinical remission was defined as a partial Mayo score of 0-1 and endoscopic remission as Mayo Endoscopic Score (MES) of 0-1. Results Of 138 patients randomised, 79 entered the maintenance phase. Of these, 56 (71%) received TP, 16 (20%) received IFX+TP combo and 7 (9%) received IFX mono. Baseline characteristics were similar across the 3 maintenance groups. At 12 months, 42 patients (53%) were in clinical remission, 44 patients (56%) were in endoscopic remission, and one patient underwent colectomy. The 3 maintenance groups had similar rates of clinical remission (TP 55%, IFX+TP combo 56%, IFX mono 29%; P=0.39) and endoscopic remission (TP 55%, IFX+TP combo 56%, IFX mono 57%; P=0.99) at 12 months. Clinical Remission On univariable and multivariable analysis, no factors were associated with clinical remission at 12 months, including baseline CRP, albumin, partial Mayo score, MES, UCEIS or maintenance strategy. Endoscopic Remission Factors associated with endoscopic remission at 12 months included baseline partial Mayo score of 0 (OR 3.36, 95% CI 1.24-9.10, P=0.017), MES of 0-1 (OR 3.48, 95% CI 1.08-11.27, P=0.037) and UCEIS of 0-1 (OR 3.30, 95% CI 1.24-8.76, P=0.016). However, a partial Mayo score cut-off of 0-1 did not reach significance (OR 3.46, P=0.09). No factors associated with endoscopic remission were identified on multivariable analysis. Conclusion In steroid-refractory ASUC patients who received IFX rescue, clinical and endoscopic remission at Month 3 were associated with endoscopic remission at Month 12, particularly among patients with greater depth of remission. Month 3 assessment helps identify patients at higher risk of disease progression for whom more intensive treatment may be required.

P1070 Utilization of HLA-DQA1*05 haplotype testing in routine clinical practice to stratify advanced therapies: A prospective pilot study

Abstract Background A potential association between HLA-DQA1*05 allele and development of anti-drug antibodies in Anti-TNF treated Crohn’s Disease patients is reported in the PANTS study. The utility of stratifying treatment based on the HLA-DQA1*05 status has not been evaluated in a biomarker stratified clinical trial and there are no prospective studies evaluating the impact of using HLADQA1*05 in routine clinical practice to decide on monotherapy versus combo therapy while initiating on anti-TNFs. We aimed to determine the impact of carriage of HLADQA1*05 allele to guide the need for concomitant immunomodulators in IBD patients planned for Infliximab therapy. Methods In our prospective study, 97 adult IBD patients were included. All patients were screened for HLADQ2 haplotype as part of their routine pre-biologic screen. Stratification was done according to the presence of HLA-DQA1*05 haplotype. HLADQA1*05 positive patients were assigned combo therapy with Infliximab combined with either methotrexate or azathioprine. HLADQA1*05 negative patients were given infliximab monotherapy unless another indication for concomitant immunomodulation was present. Patients were followed for a minimum of one year after drug initiation. Primary outcome was drug persistence, expressed as time to discontinuation of infliximab, segregated by the treatment decision based on HLA-DQA1*05 status. Secondary outcomes were proportion of patients developing anti-drug antibodies and time to antibody development. Statistical analysis was done using Kaplan-Meier curves and log-rank test. Results Baseline characteristics are detailed in Table 1. HLA-DQA1*05 was positive in 41/97(42%) of patients and combo therapy was offered to 33/41(80%) of those patients. Immunomodulators were avoided in 39/97(40.2%) patients representing the subset of patients with negative HLADQA*105 to whom no immunomodulator was offered. There was no statistically significant difference in drug persistence rates between the groups treated based on HLA-DQA*105 status. 54/97(55.6%) of the patients developed anti-infliximab antibodies during their follow-up (25/41(60.9 %) in HLA positive and 29/56 (51.7%) in HLA negative). Neutralizing drug antibodies with absent drug levels were detected in 15/97(15.5%) of patients (8/41(19.5%) in HLA positive, 7/56(12.5%) in HLA negative). The median time to antibody development was 33.5 weeks (IQR 22-46.7). Conclusion This is the first prospective study suggesting HLA-DQA1*05 haplotype testing can be used in routine clinical practice to stratify therapy based on the need for immunomodulators in infliximab treated IBD patients. HLA-DQA1*05 negative patients may be started on monotherapy with potential for improving safety and reducing costs of immunomodulator monitoring.

P1021 Comparison of subcutaneous and intravenous infliximab in patients with inflammatory bowel disease showed no differences in immunogenicity or treatment persistence at one year

Abstract Background The effectiveness of infliximab (IFX) in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can be impaired by the formation of anti-drug antibodies (ADA). Subcutaneous (SC) IFX has a different pharmacokinetic profile compared to intravenous (IV) administration. These differences may affect the risk of immunogenicity and we sought to explore this in a retrospective study. Methods We performed a retrospective study in Leeds, United Kingdom. Adult patients starting IFX for the first time between January 2019 and June 2022 were identified. All received standard induction with three IV doses followed by either: 1) maintenance SC IFX 2-weekly (standard practice from 2021), or 2) maintenance IV IFX (standard practice until 2021). We compared ADA levels, IFX trough levels and treatment persistence between groups after 12-months of treatment. ADA levels above 10 AU/ml were considered positive and ADA levels above 50 AU/ml as clinically relevant. Results After excluding 41 patients (16 stopped IFX after IV induction, 24 moved to SC after >4 IV doses, and 1 lost to follow-up), 101 patients receiving maintenance SC IFX were compared to 108 patients continuing with maintenance IV IFX. At 12-months, prevalence of ADA positivity was similar in both groups (48.1% SC vs 50.6%; p=0.775). Clinically relevant ADA levels (>50 AU/ml) were also similar (21.1% SC vs 26.5% IV; p=0.481). Additionally, there were no statistically significant differences in terms of detectable IFX trough levels and treatment persistence after 12-months of treatment between the two groups. Patients receiving combination therapy with IFX and immunomodulators showed a significant reduction in ADA formation irrespective of the route of IFX administration. 34.8% of patients receiving combination therapy had detectable ADA compared to 65.2% receiving IFX monotherapy (OR 0.28 (95% CI 0.13-0.58; p=0.001)). Treatment persistence was also significantly higher in those receiving combination therapy compared with monotherapy at 12-months (73.3% vs. 51.9%; p=0.004). The proportion of patients with detectable drug levels at 12-months was also higher with combination therapy (91.3% vs. 72.7%; p=0.005). Conclusion There were no significant differences in ADA levels, IFX levels, and treatment persistence between the SC and IV routes of IFX administration after 12 months of treatment. Concurrent use of immunomodulators was associated with reduced immunogenicity and better treatment persistence regardless of the route of maintenance IFX. Clinicians should advise patients on the benefits of immunomodulator combination therapy when initiating IFX regardless of route of administration.

Durability of Adalimumab and Infliximab in Children With Crohn's Disease: A Nationwide Comparison From the epi-IIRN Cohort.

In a nationwide cohort, we aimed to compare the durability of infliximab and adalimumab as first biologic treatment in children with Crohn's disease (CD), stratified as combotherapy or monotherapy. We used data from the epi-IIRN cohort that includes all patients with inflammatory bowel diseases in Israel. Durability was defined as consistent treatment without surgery or treatment escalation. All comparisons followed stringent propensity-score matching in Cox proportional hazard models. Of the 3487 children diagnosed with CD since 2005, 2157 (62%) received biologics (1127 [52%] infliximab, 964 [45%] adalimumab and 52 [2%] vedolizumab as first biologic), representing a higher proportion than that among adults diagnosed during the same time period (5295 of 15 776 [34%]; P < .001). Time from diagnosis to initiation of biologic was shorter in pediatric-onset compared with adult-onset disease (median time during the last 3 years was 2.7 months [interquartile range 1.2-5.4] vs 5.2 months [2.6-8.9]; P < .001). The durability of adalimumab monotherapy after 1 and 5 years from initiation of treatment was better than infliximab monotherapy (79%/54% vs 67%/37%, respectively; n = 452 matched children; hazard ratio [HR], 1.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.3-2.3; P < .001), while in those treated with combotherapy, durability was similar (94%/66% with infliximab vs 90%/54% with adalimumab; n = 100; HR, 1.7; 95% CI, 0.9-3.3; P = .1). Durability was higher in children treated with infliximab combotherapy vs infliximab monotherapy (87%/45% vs 75%/39%; n = 440; HR, 1.4; 95% CI, 1.1-1.8; P = .01). The durability of adalimumab monotherapy was similar to infliximab combotherapy (83%/53% vs 89%/56%, respectively; n = 238; HR, 0.9; 95% CI, 0.7-1.2; P = .4). Our results support using adalimumab monotherapy as a first-line biologic in children with CD. When infliximab is used, combotherapy may be advantageous over monotherapy.

Infliximab Monotherapy vs Combination Therapy for Pediatric Crohn's Disease Exhibit Similar Pharmacokinetics.

The use of concomitant azathioprine may improve efficacy and pharmacokinetic (PK) properties of infliximab (IFX) but is also associated with an increased risk of adverse events. Proactive therapeutic drug monitoring (pTDM) of IFX monotherapy is an alternative strategy to improve PK. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether IFX with an immunomodulator (combo) has PK benefits over IFX-pTDM (mono) in pediatric Crohn's disease (CD). This PK analysis included pediatric CD patients who started either IFX combo (TISKids study) or IFX mono with pTDM (REFINE cohort). Combo and mono IFX trough levels (TLs) and antibodies-to-infliximab were assessed at infusion 3, 4, and 5. A population PK model was built to compare IFX PK outcomes (clearance [CL], TLs and cumulative exposure) between combo and mono groups at infusion 4 and 5. Clinical response and steroid-free clinical remission (SFCR) was assessed at infusion 4 and 5. This study included 128 pediatric CD patients (66 mono and 62 combo). At infusion 5, there was no significant difference between mono and combo median TLs 4.1 µg/mL (2.1, 7.8) vs 5.9 µg/mL (3.2, 9.4; P = .14) or median CL 0.26 L/d (0.21, 0.32) vs 0.26 L/d (0.21, 0.33; P = .81). Mono patients had a lower SFCR rate at infusion 5 (53% [31 of 59] vs 80% [32 of 40]; P = .01). Clinical response rates were significantly higher among combo than mono patients at both infusion 4 and 5. This study suggests that there are no PK differences (TLs and CL) between combo and mono therapy in pediatric CD patients who started IFX.

Pediatric IBD Patients Treated With Infliximab and Proactive Drug Monitoring Benefit From Early Concomitant Immunomodulatory Therapy: A Retrospective Analysis of a 10-Year Real-Life Cohort.

Limited approval of second-line treatments in pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (pIBD) necessitates optimized use of infliximab (IFX) with proactive therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM). We investigated whether early combo-therapy with an immunomodulator (IMM) provides additional benefit. In the retrospectively reviewed medical records of all children treated with IFX and proactive TDM between 2013 and 2022, IMMearly (IMM ≤3 months since IFX start) was evaluated against IMMother/no (late/short or no IMM) over follow-up of 3 to 60 months. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to analyze time to loss of response (LOR) with IFX discontinuation or time to antibodies-to-IFX (ATI) development. Three hundred fifteen patients with pIBD were reviewed; of those, 127 with 2855 visits were included (77 CD, 50 UC/IBD-unclassified). Sixty patients received IMMearly, 20 patients IMMother, and 47 had IFX monotherapy. Median follow-up time was 30 and 26 months for IMMearly and IMMother/no, respectively, with comparable proactive TDM. Infliximab treatment persistence was 68% after 60 months. Loss of response was observed in 7 IMMearly and 15 IMMother/no patients (P = .16). Early combo-therapy significantly delayed LOR with IFX discontinuation (median LOR free interval IMMearly 30 months vs IMMother/no 9 months, P = .01). Patients with IMMother/no were 10-, 3- and 2-times more likely to experience LOR with IFX discontinuation after 1, 3, and 5 years, respectively. There were no significant group differences regarding the presence of any positive (>10 arbitrary units per milliliter [AU/mL]) or high (>100 AU/mL) ATI, median ATI concentrations, and ATI-free interval. Early IMM combo-therapy in proactively monitored patients with pIBD significantly prolonged the median LOR free interval compared with late/short or no IMM treatment.

Thiopurines have no impact on outcomes of Crohn's disease patients beyond 12 months of maintenance treatment with infliximab

BackgroundThe emergence of new treatments the inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) raised questions regarding the role of older agents, namely thiopurines. AimsTo clarify the benefits of combination treatment with thiopurines on Crohn's disease (CD) patients in the maintenance phase of infliximab. MethodsIn this analysis of the 2-year prospective multicentric DIRECT study, patients were assessed in terms of clinical activity, faecal calprotectin (FC), C-reactive protein (CRP), and infliximab pharmacokinetics. A composite outcome based on clinical- and drug-related items was used to define treatment failure. ResultsThe study included 172 patients; of these, 35.5 % were treated with combination treatment. Overall, 18 % of patients achieved the composite outcome, without statistically significant differences between patients on monotherapy and on combination treatment (21.6% vs 11.5 %, p = 0.098). Median CRP, FC, and infliximab pharmacokinetic parameters were similar in both groups. However, in the sub-analysis by infliximab treatment duration, in patients treated for less than 12 months, the composite outcome was reached in fewer patients in the combination group than in the monotherapy group (7.1% vs 47.1 %, p = 0.021). ConclusionIn CD patients in maintenance treatment with infliximab, combination treatment does not seem to have benefits over infliximab monotherapy beyond 12 months of treatment duration.

A Review of Therapeutic Escalation for Pediatric Patients Admitted for Inflammatory Bowel Disease Flares.

The objective was to complete a single hospital quality assessment to characterize the use, safety, and outcomes of the 5 specialty medications (infliximab, adalimumab, tofacitinib, ustekinumab, and vedolizumab) used for the treatment of pediatric inflammatory bowel disease following admission due to a disease flare. This was a single-center, retrospective, quality assessment of the current clinical practice. The electronic medical record was queried to identify patients ages 0 to 18 years admitted to our institution during a 2-year period from September 1, 2019, to September 30, 2021, who received infliximab, adalimumab, tofacitinib, ustekinumab, and/or vedolizumab for the treatment of Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis followed by manual data collection and cohort analysis. The total population comprised 20 patients during 23 encounters. The biologic-naive group included 12 patients during 12 encounters, 2 of which are also included in the biologic-experienced group, which captured a total of 10 patients during 11 encounters. In the biologic-naive group, infliximab monotherapy comprised the largest percentage of therapy plans across encounters (91.6%), with a statistically significant greater number of readmissions within 6 months of discharge (p = 0.00031). The biologic-experienced cohort had a statistically significant longer duration of intravenous corticosteroid administration (p = 0.016) and a large variety of therapy plans. The diversity of practice observed within our institution supports the need for guidelines to define standard of therapy or guide selection of second-line therapies based on patient-specific factors.

Targeting senescence and inflammation in chronic destructive TNF-driven joint pathology

We had shown that administration of the senolytic Dasatinib abolishes arthritis in the human TNF transgenic mouse model of chronic destructive arthritis when given in combination with a sub-therapeutic dose of the anti-TNF mAb Infliximab (1 mg/kg). Herein, we found that while the number of senescent chondrocytes (GL13+/Ki67-), assessed according to guideline algorithmic approaches, was not affected by either Dasatinib or sub-therapeutic Infliximab monotherapies, their combination reduced senescent chondrocytes by 50 %, which was comparable to levels observed with therapeutic Infliximab monotherapy (10 mg/kg). This combination therapy also reduced the expression of multiple factors of senescence-associated secretory phenotype in arthritic joints. Studies to elucidate the interplay of inflammation and senescence may help in optimizing treatment strategies also for age-related pathologies characterized by chronic low-grade joint inflammation.

Subcutaneous Infliximab Monotherapy Versus Combination Therapy with Immunosuppressants in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Post Hoc Analysis of a Randomised Clinical Trial

Whether benefits and risks of intravenous (IV) infliximab combotherapy with immunosuppressants versus infliximab monotherapy apply to subcutaneous (SC) infliximab is unknown. This post hoc analysis of a pivotal randomised CT-P13 SC 1.6 trial aimed to compare SC infliximab monotherapy with combotherapy in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Biologic-naïve patients with active Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis received CT-P13 IV 5 mg/kg at Week (W) 0 and 2 (dose-loading phase). At W6, patients were randomised (1:1) to receive CT-P13 SC 120 or 240 mg (patients <80 or ≥80 kg) every 2 weeks until W54 (maintenance phase), or to continue CT-P13 IV every 8 weeks until switching to CT-P13 SC from W30. The primary endpoint-non-inferiority of trough serum concentrations-was assessed at W22. We report a post hoc analysis comparing pharmacokinetic, efficacy, safety and immunogenicity outcomes up to W54 for patients randomised to CT-P13 SC, stratified by concomitant immunosuppressant use. Sixty-six patients were randomised to CT-P13 SC (37 monotherapy, 29 combotherapy). At W54, there were no significant differences in the proportions of patients achieving target exposure (5 µg/mL; 96.6% monotherapy vs 95.8% combotherapy; p > 0.999) or meeting efficacy or biomarker outcomes including clinical remission (62.9% vs 74.1%; p = 0.418). Monotherapy and combotherapy groups had comparable immunogenicity (anti-drug antibodies [ADAs]: 65.5% vs 48.0% [p = 0.271], neutralising antibodies [in ADA-positive patients]: 10.5% vs 16.7% [p = 0.630], respectively). Pharmacokinetics, efficacy and immunogenicity were potentially comparable between SC infliximab monotherapy and combotherapy in biologic-naïve IBD patients. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02883452.

Comparative efficacy and safety of combination therapy with infliximab for Crohn's disease: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

There is not enough information to position medications for the treatment of Crohn's disease (CD). Therefore, using a network meta-analysis and systematic review, we evaluated the efficacy and safety of combination therapy and infliximab (IFX) monotherapy in CD patients. We identified randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in CD patients who were given IFX-containing combination therapy versus IFX monotherapy. Induction and maintenance of clinical remission were the efficacy outcomes, while adverse events were the safety outcomes. The surface under cumulative ranking (SUCRA) probabilities was used to assess ranking in the network meta-analysis. In total, 15 RCTs with 1586 CD patients were included in this study. There was no statistical difference between different combination therapies in induction and maintenance of remission. In terms of inducing clinical remission, IFX + EN (SUCRA: 0.91) ranked highest; in terms of maintaining clinical remission, IFX + AZA (SUCRA: 0.85) ranked highest. There was no treatment that was significantly safer than the others. In terms of any adverse events, serious adverse events, serious infections, and infusion/injection-site reactions, IFX + AZA (SUCRA: 0.36, 0.12, 0.19, and 0.24) was ranked lowest for all risks; while IFX + MTX (SUCRA: 0.34, 0.06, 0.13, 0.08, 0.34, and 0.08) was rated lowest for risk of abdominal pain, arthralgia, headache, nausea, pyrexia, and upper respiratory tract infection. Indirect comparisons suggested that efficacy and safety of different combination treatments are comparable in CD patients. For maintenance therapies, IFX + AZA was ranked highest for clinical remission and lowest for adverse events. Further head-to-head trials are required.

P705 Switching from intravenous to subcutaneous infliximab: clinical and patient experience outcomes

Abstract Background Intravenous (IV) infliximab (IFX) monotherapy is associated with significant loss of response. Therapeutic drug monitoring shows an association with low serum trough drug levels and development of anti-IFX antibodies. Combination therapy with immunomodulators is not always possible, and IFX dose escalation leads to higher drug costs and time pressure on infusion units. Both approaches have raised heightened patient safety concerns due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Subcutaneous (SC) IFX pharmacokinetics lead to improved drug trough levels, which could lead to better clinical outcomes. Methods The NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde biologics database was used to identify selected patients currently treated with IV IFX for IBD for suitability for SC switch. Patients were contacted to allow informed choice to opt in or out of switch. Baseline clinical data was collected, and patients were reviewed at week 8 and week 24 for assessment of clinical disease activity scores, IFX trough levels/anti-drug antibody levels, and faecal calprotectin. Patient experience outcomes were assessed using a quality of life questionnaire (CUCQ-8). Results 31 patients consented to switch; F:M = 17:14. The majority of patients (16) had Crohn’s disease, with 13 with UC and 2 IBDU. Mean duration of disease was 9.1 years and duration of prior IV therapy was 3.3 years. 28 patients were reviewed at week 8 and 24 at week 24. At week 24, 71% of patients were in clinical remission (Harvey-Bradshaw index score &amp;lt;5 or partial Mayo score &amp;lt;2), 96% had CRP &amp;lt;5 mg/Land 87% had FCP &amp;lt;250µg/g. 21% of patients had subtherapeutic IFX trough levels at baseline, all had increased by week 8 and there were no subtherapeutic levels measured by week 24. One patient had detectable antibodies at week 24, compared with 9 patients at baseline. Three patients required oral steroid therapy during the 24-week follow up period. There were no hospital admissions, significant infections or adverse reactions within the cohort. 15 patients submitted CUCQ-8 scores, of these 7 patients’ scores had worsened at week 8 but by week 24 13/15 were stable or improved compared to baseline. Conclusion Switching from IV to SC infliximab is welcomed by most patients. The efficacy, tolerability, increased drug level and safety which has previously been demonstrated is reproduced in our cohort. This study is the first to explore patient experience outcomes. The finding of initial worsening of the CUCQ-8 score, but overall improvement by week 24 opens further opportunity for engaging patient involvement in switch programmes.