Icotrokinra for Patients with Ulcerative Colitis (ANTHEM-UC Phase 2 Trial)

MT Abreu et al. N Engl J Med 2026;395:1495-1504. Phase 2 Trial of Icotrokinra for Patients with Ulcerative Colitis

Background: “Icotrokinra (JNJ-77242113) is a first-in-class targeted oral peptide that precisely blocks the interleukin-23 receptor. The development of oral peptide therapeutics has historically been limited by poor epithelial membrane permeability, susceptibility to enzymatic degradation in the gastrointestinal tract, and low intestinal absorption.7 The cyclic peptide technology used in icotrokinra enables high stability and epithelial permeability.7 These features, in combination with high selectivity and potent binding of the interleukin-23 receptor, result in an orally administered peptide that effectively inhibits the interleukin-23 pathway.8,9“

Methods: This was a “phase 2b, double-blind, randomized trial of oral icotrokinra, a peptide that blocks the interleukin-23 receptor, in adults with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis. Participants were assigned to receive icotrokinra at a once-daily dose of 400 mg, 200 mg, or 100 mg or placebo. The primary end point was clinical response at week 12.” A total of 252 participants underwent randomization.

Key findings:

  • All the doses of icotrokinra were superior to placebo with respect to a clinical response at week 12, which occurred in 63% of the participants in the 400-mg group, 58% in the 200-mg group, and 55% in the 100-mg group, as compared with 27% in the placebo group (P<0.001)
  • The percentage of participants with clinical remission at week 12 was also significantly higher in the 400-mg group than in the placebo group (30% vs. 11%, P=0.006), as were…the percentage of participants with endoscopic improvement (37% vs. 14%, P=0.002)
Clinical response was defined as a decrease from baseline in the modified Mayo score by at least 30% and at least 2 points, with either a decrease of at least 1 point from baseline in the rectal bleeding
subscore or a rectal bleeding subscore of 0 or 1
Clinical remission was defined by a stool frequency subscore of 0 or 1,
a rectal bleeding subscore of 0, and an endoscopic subscore of 0 or 1.
Symptomatic remission was defined by a stool frequency subscore of 0 or 1
and a rectal bleeding subscore of 0
Endoscopic improvement was defined by an endoscopic subscore of 0 or 1.

Discussion:

  • “The benefits of treatment with once-daily icotrokinra appeared to be generally sustained or improved through week 28 for all outcomes and doses tested.”
  • “Although all the tested doses of icotrokinra appeared to attenuate systemic inflammation, the 400-mg and 200-mg doses appeared to result in greater reduction of the inflammatory burden than the 100-mg dose.”
  • “The incidence of adverse events with icotrokinra was similar to that with placebo, and no dose–response relationship for adverse events was observed. Among the 212 participants treated with icotrokinra in this trial, no deaths, serious infections, or adverse events of special interest were reported through 28 weeks of treatment.”

My take: This is an important study indicating that an oral IL-23 can be effective for ulcerative colitis which is not surprising based on its previous effectiveness with plaque psoriasis, another immune-mediated disease. It would be helpful to determine the efficacy of this oral agent compared to the IV/SC IL-23 biologic medications (eg. risankizumab, guselkumab, and mirikizumab).

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Evaluating Anti-TNF Withdrawal Success in UC Remission (BIOSTOP Study)

IP Berset et al. Journal of Crohn’s and Colitis, 2026; 20: jjag110. Anti-TNF withdrawal or long-term treatment in ulcerative colitis (BIOSTOP): a multicentre open label, randomized controlled trial 

Methods: “In this prospective, multicentre, randomized, controlled, open-label non-inferiority study, patients in deep clinical, biochemical and endoscopic remission were randomized 1:1 to anti-TNF withdrawal or maintenance treatment. Primary endpoint was endoscopically confirmed remission (Mayo Endoscopic Score 0 or 1) after two years, including UC flares treated with anti-TNF, or non-biologic agents.” This study analyzed 163 adult UC patients (2017-2021, median age 45 years). 29% of patients in the withdrawal group were receiving azathioprine.

Inclusioin criteria:

  • Clinical remission defined as six-point Mayo score≤1
  • Endoscopic remission defined as Mayo endoscopic score (MES) 0 or 1
  • Biochemical remission defined as two consecutive fecal (f-) calprotectin tests<200µg/g
  • Minimum one year of first-line anti-TNF treatment (94% of withdrawal group had rec’d anti-TNF therapy for at least two years)

Key findings:

  • Eighty percent (66/82) of anti-TNF withdrawal group and 96% (78/81) of maintenance patients were in endoscopic remission after 2 years
  • UC flares occurred in 52% (45/86) of withdrawal and 12% (10/86) of maintenance patients
  • Anti-TNF retreatment was successful in 74% (20/27) in the intervention group
  • 48% of anti-TNF withdrawal patients remained in steroid-free remission
  • There were no significant predictors for successful anti-TNF withdrawal
  • Serious adverse events:
    • In the withdrawal group: colectomy (n=1), and hospitalizaiton for flare-up (n=2)
    • In the control group: hospitalization for infection (n=2), and cancer (n=1) which was successfully treated and included anti-TNF discontinuation

The authors conclude that “withdrawal of anti-TNF treatment should be restricted to selected, well-informed and highly motivated patients.”

My take: This two-year randomized study showed that among patients in deep remission, almost half who stopped anti-TNF treatment continued with a steroid-free clinical remission after two years; however, there were no factors which identified those who were able to successfully withdraw from anti-TNF therapy. The results may overestimate the success rate of anti-TNF withdrawal as ~30% of patients were receiving azathioprine. In pediatrics, expert advice has favored continuation of advance therapies when patients are in remission.

Related blog posts:

PODIUM Study: Jak Inhibitors and Ustekinumab Outperformed Vedolizumab as a 2nd Line Agent for Ulcerative Colitis

G Privitera et al. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatl 2026; 24: 2539-2550. Open Access! Ustekinumab and Janus Kinase Inhibitors Outperform Vedolizumab as Second-Line Therapy in Anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor-Experienced Patients With Ulcerative Colitis

Before reading this article, I had to research why it was called “The Podium Study.” The research directly stacks three competing second-line classes of advanced therapies against each other: vedolizumab, ustekinumab, and JAK inhibitors; this is similar to a sports podium (1st, 2nd, and 3rd place), as the ultimate clinical goal of the study was to “rank” which medication performed best in terms of efficacy and safety after a patient fails anti-TNFα therapy. Of historical interest, there was an older, unrelated PODIUM trial, which stood for Pentasa Once Daily in Ulcerative Colitis for Maintenance of Remission.

Methods: In this retrospective, multicenter European study, there were 596 patients were included (301 vedolizumab, 149 ustekinumab, 146 JAKi) with a mean age of 43.9 ± 15.5 years.  JAKi included 114 with tofacitinib, 28 with upadacitinib, and 5 with filgotinib. Achievement of biochemical steroid-free clinical remission (SFCR) within 12 months was identified by having SFCR associated with biomarker normalization: FCP <250 μg/g or CRP <5 mg/L—if discordant, FCP was considered the reference biomarker.

Key findings:

  • Compared with vedolizumab, both ustekinumab and JAKi showed significantly higher probability of steroid-free clinical remission (SFCR) (aHR, 1.54 and aHR, 1.66, respectively) and biochemical SFCR (aHR, 2.26 and 3.37, respectively) at 12 months
  • The crude incidence rate of SFCR at 12 months was 65.3% for vedolizumab, 87.0% for ustekinumab, and 80.2% for JAKi.
  • From a safety standpoint, JAKi were associated with an approximately 4-fold increase in the incidence rate of treatment-related AEs—primarily infections—compared with both vedolizumab and ustekinumab.

Discussion Points:

“Optimal sequencing in UC after anti-TNF-α exposure remains an open issue, as direct comparisons are scarce. Overall, our findings are consistent with the network meta-analysis by Lasa et al, which reported superior efficacy of JAKi and ustekinumab compared with vedolizumab in inducing clinical remission and endoscopic improvement in anti-TNF-α-experienced patients.14 However, these conclusions derive from indirect comparisons across heterogeneous randomized trials.”

My take: Vedolizumab is a good choice as a 1st line agent for ulcerative colitis but has a lower success rate as a 2nd line agent. Also, this study likely underestimates the potential effectiveness of JAKi as most individuals received tofacitinib rather than upadacitinib.

Related blog posts:

Disclaimer: This blog, gutsandgrowth, assumes no responsibility for any use or operation of any method, product, instruction, concept or idea contained in the material herein or for any injury or damage to persons or property (whether products liability, negligence or otherwise) resulting from such use or operation. These blog posts are for educational purposes only. Specific dosing of medications (along with potential adverse effects) should be confirmed by prescribing physician.  Because of rapid advances in the medical sciences, the gutsandgrowth blog cautions that independent verification should be made of diagnosis and drug dosages. The reader is solely responsible for the conduct of any suggested test or procedure.  This content is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment provided by a qualified healthcare provider. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a condition.

Flawed Dual Therapy Study of Vedolizumab and Upadacitinib

J Yao et al. Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 2026. Combined Upadacitinib and Vedolizumab as 8-Week Induction Therapy for Moderate-to-Severe Ulcerative Colitis: A Multicenter, Randomized Controlled Trial

Many patients do not respond to current advanced therapies which have prompted evaluation of dual therapy regimens. In this randomized open-label trial, the authors compared upadacitinib-vedolizumab dual therapy against vedolizumab monotherapy (40 combination, 73 monotherapy) for moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis. Upadacitinib was dosed at 45 mg per day.

Key findings:

  • Endoscopic remission at week 8 was achieved by 37.5% in the dual therapy group compared to 15.1% with vedolizumab monotherapy (adjusted odds ratio, 3.34, 1.34–8.58; P = .010)
  • Clinical remission (65.0% vs 35.6%; P = .002) was significantly higher with combination therapy.
  • Adverse event rates were comparable (7.5% vs 6.8%), with no serious adverse events.

It is great to see more dual therapy data . While I am a little reluctant to criticize this study, as I think this type or research is both important and difficult, this trial has a couple problems. First of all, vedolizumab monotherapy may take twice as long to become effective; as such, the results at week 8 in isolation provoke more questions than answers. In addition, at this time point, it is not clear if combination therapy would be more effective than upadacitinib monotherapy.

In their discussion, the authors state that “the 65.0% clinical remission rate at week 8 substantially exceeds rates reported in pivotal induction trials for either upadacitinib (up to 34%11,25) or vedolizumab (approximately 17%24) as monotherapy….. The absence of a upadacitinib monotherapy arm precludes formal assessment of synergy; however, the observed combination endoscopic remission rate (37.5%) exceeds published upadacitinib monotherapy rates for Mayo score = 0 (approximately 14%–18%),11 suggesting a benefit beyond that of upadacitinib monotherapy alone.” However, in a study (RS Dalal et al. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024; 22: 666-668) comparing monotherapy with upadacitinib versus ustekinumab, upadacitinib had a steroid-free clinical remission rate of 62.1 %, and an endoscopic remission 37.5%. These results are nearly identical to the results of the combination therapy group.

My take: This study shows that upadacitinib works quicker than vedolizumab for moderate-to severe UC. It does not prove that upadacitinib in combination with vedolizumab is more effective than upadacitinib monotherapy.

The anticipated followup data at 1 year will be helpful to determine whether the combination with vedolizumab impacts long-term effectiveness of upadacitinib monotherapy. It is unfortunate that an upadacitinib monotherapy arm was not included in this study.

Another useful study would be whether patients who respond to upadacitinib as an induction combination therapy with vedolizumab could transition to vedolizumab monotherapy. This would leverage upadacitinib’s rapid onset and if effective, allow long-term treatment with vedolizumab which is considered to have the most favorable long-term safety data.

Related blog posts:

The Tricky Problem of IBD with IBS-like symptoms

Ma C, Ford A, Hashash J et al. Gastroenterology, 2026; 171, 504-520. Open Access! Recommendations for the Evaluation and Management of Inflammatory Bowel Disease With Irritable Bowel Syndrome–Like Symptoms: A Joint Rome Foundation and International Organization for the Study of IBD (IOIBD) Consensus

Background:

  • “A substantial proportion of persons with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in remission continue to experience abdominal pain, altered bowel habits, and bloating that resemble irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Lack of standardized definitions and evidence-based management strategies leads to diagnostic ambiguity and potentially unnecessary escalation of IBD therapy. A joint Rome Foundation/International Organization for the Study of Inflammatory Bowel Disease Working Team developed consensus recommendations on nomenclature, evaluation, and treatment of IBD with IBS-like symptoms.”
  • “A meta-analysis of 27 studies demonstrated that 1 in 3 individuals with IBD reported
    coexisting IBS, although estimates were heterogeneous and few studies objectively excluded active disease (11.2% to 63.6%).[1] Among those with endoscopic or histologic
    remission, 1 in 4 reported IBS-like symptoms.”

Methods: A multidisciplinary international panel applied a modified RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and determined recommendations for evaluation and management of these patients.

Terminology:

  • “The preferred term was “IBD with IBS-like symptoms,” defined as abdominal pain, bowel habit change, and/or bloating not explained by active inflammation or structural disease.”

Pathophysiology:

Evaluation to determine whether GI symptoms are related to IBD or are related to IBS-like symptoms

Key points:

  • “An FC [fecal calprotectin] below 150 μg/g is considered normal, but persons with IBD with ongoing symptoms may require endoscopic evaluation even with a normal FC, especially in the setting of small bowel involvement or after surgery in CD.”
  • “In clinical care, the diagnosis of IBD with IBS-like symptoms can be supported using the Rome Clinical Diagnostic Criteria (having symptoms sufficiently bothersome to seek health care for at least the prior 8 weeks or when other conditions have been excluded).”
  • Dietary treatments of IBS symptoms were recommended including psyllium and a trial of a low FODMAP diet.
  • Medication treatments of IBS symptoms were recommended including TCAs, SSRIs, SNRIs, antidiarrheals (e.g. loperamide), antispasmotics, peppermint oil, osmotic laxatives, 5-HT4 receptor agonists and secretagogues (e.g. linaclotide).
  • Behavior therapies including GI-focused cognitive behavioral therapy and gut-directed hypnotherapy were recommended
Treatment algorithm

My take: Overall, this expert panel endorsed a broad-range of current IBS treatments for patients with well-controlled IBD experiencing ongoing GI distress. This paper focuses attention to this difficult clinical problem in which many patients, historically, have received escalating IBD therapy rather than IBS therapies. Part of the problem is that it is difficult to be certain that a patient’s IBD is well-controlled and that there are no structural problems (e.g. strictures). In addition, many patients have very mild findings and it can be hard to know if these findings are enough to account for the symptoms. The opposite problem can also occur in which patients have very active IBD yet have few clinical complaints.

Related blog posts:

Disclaimer: This blog, gutsandgrowth, assumes no responsibility for any use or operation of any method, product, instruction, concept or idea contained in the material herein or for any injury or damage to persons or property (whether products liability, negligence or otherwise) resulting from such use or operation. These blog posts are for educational purposes only. Specific dosing of medications (along with potential adverse effects) should be confirmed by prescribing physician. Because of rapid advances in the medical sciences, the gutsandgrowth blog cautions that independent verification should be made of diagnosis and drug dosages. The reader is solely responsible for the conduct of any suggested test or procedure. This content is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment provided by a qualified healthcare provider. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a condition.

Discordant Clostridiodes difficile Testing In Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

P Ramakrishan et al. Inflamm Bowel Dis 2026; 32: 1313–1320. Discordant Clostridioides difficile testing as a predictor of inflammatory bowel disease therapy escalation

Background: “In the general population, individuals with discordant tests (PCR+/TOX−) have similar outcomes to PCR− individuals, suggesting that this group represents individuals colonized with C. difficile.[14]”

Methods: In this retrospective study (n=117), outcomes assessed included CDI-directed therapy or escalation of IBD treatment.

Key findings:

  • 79% (93/117) were PCR+/TOX− and 21% (24/117) were PCR+/TOX+
  • PCR+/TOX+ patients had significantly higher CRP (98 vs 6 mg/L, P = .005)
  • PCR+/TOX− patients had more severe underlying IBD and higher rates of steroid use (48% vs 21%, P = .02) and were significantly more likely to require IBD therapy escalation (54% vs 25%, P = .004). Multivariable analysis showed PCR+/TOX− status (odds ratio [OR], 3.2) was a significant predictor of IBD treatment escalation. Antibiotic use did not significantly alter the need for escalation among PCR+/TOX−  patients.

Discussion:

  • “Most IBD patients who are PCR+/TOX−  are colonized with C. difficile, and IBD treatment could be considered rather than delaying for CDI therapy.”

My take: In patients with IBD, PCR-positivity for C diff is frequently a false positive due to high rates of colonization in this population. Patients who have their infection confirmed with an immunoassay are much more likely to respond to C diff therapy.

Related blog posts:

Resources:

National Civil Rights Museum in Atlanta, GA. One of the powerful exhibits is a Woolworth lunch counter replica with headphones.  With your eyes closed, the exhibit challenges you to keep your hands on the counter as one receives menacing threats like ‘Boy, I’m going to kill you.’ 

Impact of 5‐Aminosalicylic Acid Discontinuation in Children with Ulcerative Colitis Receiving Biologic Therapy

G D’Arcangelo et al. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2026; 83: 96-107. Open Access! Impact of 5-Aminosalicylic acid discontinuation in children with ulcerative colitis on biologic therapy: A propensity score-matched study

Background: Several adult-based studies have found that discontinuing 5-ASA at the initiation of anti-TNF therapy is not associated with worse clinical outcomes. “Ungaro et al. analyzed data from over 3500 patients in the United States and Denmark and found no increased risk of adverse outcomes following mesalamine discontinuation after the initiation of anti-TNF therapy.18 Based on this evidence, the American Gastroenterological Association recommends discontinuing mesalamine in patients with moderate-to-severe UC who are starting biologics or small molecules and achieve remission.19 However, this recommendation is based on low-quality evidence, and pediatric guidelines do not offer a similar directive.2“

Methods: Retrospective, multicenter, case–control study which included 227 pediatric patients in the final analysis after matching (85 [37.5%] cases and 142 [62.5%] controls].

Key findings:

  • Children who discontinued 5-ASA were at higher risk of courses of steroids (Log-Rank p = 0.003) and hospitalization (p = 0.08). This finding persisted with multivariate Cox regression analysis.
  • “Fixed timepoint analyses showed a statistically significant increase in the odds of adverse outcomes at the 6-month follow-up (including hospitalizations and acute severe colitis), with no significant differences detected at 12, 18, or 24 months, and only a non-significant trend toward higher hospitalization risk over time.”

My take: This is an intriguing study with a small sample size of pediatric IBD patients. Given the findings in adults, it is customary to stop 5-ASA at the time of initiation of biologic therapy. However, this study indicates that pediatric patients—who often present with more extensive and severe disease—may have some benefit from overlapping these therapies, especially during the first six months. A prospective pediatric study would be helpful.

Related blog posts:

Disclaimer: This blog, gutsandgrowth, assumes no responsibility for any use or operation of any method, product, instruction, concept or idea contained in the material herein or for any injury or damage to persons or property (whether products liability, negligence or otherwise) resulting from such use or operation. These blog posts are for educational purposes only. Specific dosing of medications (along with potential adverse effects) should be confirmed by prescribing physician. Because of rapid advances in the medical sciences, the gutsandgrowth blog cautions that independent verification should be made of diagnosis and drug dosages. The reader is solely responsible for the conduct of any suggested test or procedure. This content is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment provided by a qualified healthcare provider. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a condition

Elevated Amylase is Common in Pediatric Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

F Vázquez López et al. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2026;83:79–86. Hyperamylasaemia in paediatric inflammatory bowel disease: Aetiology, outcomes and genetic determinants

Methods: This was a retrospective study with 334 pediatric patients, followed for ≥2 years (study duration was 7 years). Elevated amylase was considered to be above the laboratory’s reference range (102 U/L).

Key findings:

  • Hyperamylasaemia was found in 62/334 patients (18.6%), with 29% of these presenting at diagnosis
  • Hyperamylasaemia resolved in 77% of patients; in the majority (85%), spontaneously and in the remainder after medication withdrawal
  • One patient developed acute pancreatitis and one had recurrent pancreatitis

My take: It is best to avoid routinely checking an amylase if pancreatitis is not suspected; it could lead to ‘a wild goose chase.’ Most cases of elevated amylase are benign and self-limiting.

Related blog posts:

A deer in the middle of the Chattahoochee at Island Ford

Safety Data Up to Seven Years with Vedolizumab

E Louis et al. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2026; 24: 1654-1665. Open Access! Long-Term Safety of Vedolizumab in Patients With Ulcerative Colitis/Crohn’s Disease: A Prospective Observational Study

Methods: This was a prospective, observational, multicenter cohort study in adult patients (n=5208) with UC or CD starting treatment with vedolizumab or other biologics. The primary safety outcome was serious infections compared between cohorts using a Cox proportional hazards model adjusted by propensity score. Clinical effectiveness was a secondary outcome. Mean follow-up duration was 37.4 months. The vedolizumab group had greater age, duration of disease, and concomitant medication use at baseline, indicating more advanced disease.

Key findings:

  • In patients with UC, the incidence rate per 100 person-years of serious infections was 5.5 (vedolizumab) and 7.0 (other biologic), with an adjusted hazard ratio of 0.89 (P = .38).
  • In patients with CD, corresponding findings were 7.9 (vedolizumab) and 6.5 (other biologic) with adjusted hazard ratio of 1.15 (P = .16).
  • Rates of clinical response and clinical remission were similar in patients treated with vedolizumab compared with other biologics for both UC and CD.
Time to treatment failure in (A) biologic-naïve. Treatment failure included discontinuation of biologic treatment, IBD nonsurgical hospitalization, primary IBD surgery, and corticosteroid initiation.
Time to treatment failure in (B) biologic-experienced CD patients. 

My take: This large prospective study showed no new safety signals with mean followup of more than 3 years. There were no new trends or changes of clinical importance for infections (serious and opportunistic infections, gastrointestinal infections, respiratory tract infections, other infections), malignancies, infusion-related reactions, hepatotoxicity, and pregnancies. No cases of PML were reported. Efficacy was similar between vedolizumab and other biologics.

Related blog posts:

NSAIDs and IBD Flares (2026)

AS Mayer,et al. Arthritis Care Res. https://doi.org/10.1002/acr.80067. Open Access! Safety of Prescription Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs in Adults With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Data From a Large Administrative Claims Cohort.

Methods:

  • “This retrospective cohort study included patients with IBD aged at least 18 years from Optum’s deidentified Clinformatics Data Mart Database (2000–2022). Patients with a new NSAID prescription fill were matched to those without an NSAID fill during the study period…Propensity score-based inverse probability of treatment-weighted Cox proportional hazards models evaluated the association between NSAID exposure and time to IBD-related hospitalization across IBD subtypes.”

Key findings:

Unweighted Kaplan-Meier curve for IBD-related hospitalization in patients
with Crohn disease (B).
Unweighted Kaplan-Meier curve for IBD-related hospitalization in patients
with ulcerative colitis (C).

Discussion:

  • “The use of IPTW [inverse probability of treatment weighting] to balance an extensive number of confounders associated with NSAID use optimizes the assessment of the association of NSAID exposure with IBD-related hospitalization and helps address recent concern of residual confounding in observational studies of NSAID risk in IBD.”
  • Besides the potential risk of an IBD flare, “NSAID use is associated with risk of hospitalization from several non-IBD–related entities such as acute kidney injury and adverse cardiac events…a large prospective multicenter observational study of more than 18,000 admitted patients in England found that NSAIDs were responsible for 29.6% of admissions related to adverse drug reactions, including gastrointestinal bleeding, stroke, and renal impairment.34“

My take: This study shows an association of increased hospitalization in patients with CD but not UC based on NSAID exposure. The absolute risk of this appears low and could be in fact related to residual confounders (despite use of IPTW) as this was not a prospective study. The risk of NSAIDs outside the GI tract are likely more significant for most patients. Nevertheless, there are limited options for pain management and NSAID benefits have to be weighed against other approaches.

Related blog post: Rethinking the Link between NSAIDs and IBD Flares