The State of Clinical Trials in Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Gastroenterol Clin North Am. 2023 Sep;52(3):589-597. doi: 10.1016/j.gtc.2023.05.008. Epub 2023 Jun 20.

Abstract

The gap between available biologic and small molecule therapy for inflammatory bowel disease for children and adults remains large. At present only 2 anti-TNF agents are licensed for pediatric use compared with multiple other agents with different mechanisms of action being used in adults. The reasons are many but largely revolve around the inadequate acceptance of adult efficacy data to children, and the reluctance of industry to commit to early pediatric drug development for fear of inadequate return on investment. We suggest common sense steps that need to be taken to improve this situation.

Keywords: Children; Clinical trials; Crohn disease; Inflammatory bowel disease; Ulcerative colitis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Child
  • Colitis, Ulcerative* / drug therapy
  • Crohn Disease* / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Inflammatory Bowel Diseases* / drug therapy
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitors / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitors