Biologics for Crohn's explained.
If you have moderate to severe Crohn's disease your doctor may suggest potential treatment options such as biologics. Here’s an overview of how these treatments work. Discuss them with your doctor to see if one could be right for you.
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Specificity is how biologics work:
Biologics target specific proteins and attach to them, helping to stop their ability to cause inflammation. When it comes to Crohn’s disease, certain biologics can target proteins that are thought to be more specific to the inflammation in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
How biologics are different:
Biologics are different from other therapies because they target a specific type of protein in the immune system. By comparison, steroids work by targeting and affecting more than one point of the immune system.
Biologics are injections or infusions
They can be administered weekly, monthly, or every few months, depending on the individual and the medication.
Types of biologics for Crohn’s disease
Many different proteins can contribute to inflammation. Since biologics attach only to specific proteins, that means each type of biologic helps to reduce inflammation caused by a specific protein. Biologics for Crohn's include:
Interleukin (IL) Inhibitors
There are many kinds of IL proteins and each one has a unique role in the immune system. IL-23 and IL-12are two IL proteins that are thought to play a significant role in Crohn's inflammation. IL-23 and IL-12 inhibitors block these proteins, preventing them from telling the immune system to create cells that drive inflammation.
Anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor (Anti-TNF) Agents
These biologics work by binding and blocking a small protein called TNF-alpha, which helps reduce inflammation in the intestine as well as other organs and tissues. While biologics that target TNF-alpha can help patients with Crohn’s, they tend to be used for those whose Crohn’s is resistant to steroids. Some anti-TNF-alpha biologics can also treat patients with fistulizing disease.
Integrin Receptor Antagonists
These biologics can stop certain inflammatory cells from moving from blood vessels to tissues (like the intestine). They work by blocking a unique protein on cell surfaces. These biologics tend to be used on patients who didn’t respond to or couldn’t tolerate other treatments.
Is a biologic
right for me?
Biologics are prescription medicines for people with moderate to severe Crohn's. They may be prescribed for people who have tried other treatments first or for people who have not tried other treatments. That's why you should have an open conversation with a gastroenterologist to learn more about the risks and benefits of biologics to see if they may be an appropriate treatment option for you.
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