Long Washout Periods Between Biologics for Inflammatory Bowel Disease Clinical Trials Are Unnecessary: A Canadian Retrospective Cohort Study

Am J Gastroenterol. 2023 Dec 1;118(12):2290-2293. doi: 10.14309/ajg.0000000000002398. Epub 2023 Jul 6.

Abstract

Introduction: To assess the safety of early vs late biologic switch in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

Methods: In this retrospective study, we included patients with inflammatory bowel disease who underwent biologic switch between January 2014 and July 2022 at a tertiary center. The primary outcome was any infection by 6 months.

Results: There was no statistically significant difference between patients who had early biologic switch (≤30 days, n = 51) and late switch (>30 days, n = 77) in either infectious or noninfectious adverse events by 6 and 12 months.

Discussion: Early biologic switch is safe. A prolonged washout period between 2 biologics is unnecessary.

MeSH terms

  • Biological Products* / adverse effects
  • Canada
  • Humans
  • Inflammatory Bowel Diseases* / chemically induced
  • Inflammatory Bowel Diseases* / drug therapy
  • Retrospective Studies

Substances

  • Biological Products