There’s encouraging news for Crohn’s disease sufferers according to an NHS GP, who has discussed a new treatment for the condition that has received approval in the UK.
Crohn’s disease is a long-term condition where part of your digestive system becomes inflamed and according to BUPA UK, impacts around one in every 650 people. “The treatment is called omvoh or mirikizumab and this is really exciting because it’s the first drug of its kind to specifically target IL-23 – a major cytokine that drives inflammation in Crohn’s disease,” explained expert, Dr Sami in a TikTok video.
The doctor continued, highlighting that the medication represents brilliant news for those who suffer fatigue, pain, bleeding and unpredictable bowel movements as a result of the condition. “
It can really impact on work and family life, so by blocking IL-23, Mirikizumab helps reduce inflammation allowing the bowel to heal,” Dr Sami said of the science behind the drug, which has been recommended by the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) as a viable treatment option.
As a result, he believes patients are likely to experience reduced pain and bloating, less bleeding and more regular movements – and potentially, fewer Crohn’s sufferers requiring bowel surgery and stomas.
Dr Sami also revealed that in clinical trials, around one in four patients achieved remission by 12 weeks. “45% were in remission after one year, compared to 20% on placebo,” he stated. “And many others saw a meaningful improvement.”
He also expressed his excitement, stating: “What is even better is that it seems to work longer than the current treatment – many of those who responded were symptom-free for up to three years.”
This meant that during this period, the patients did not require steroid treatment or other forms of Crohn’s medication. “Many showed visible bowel healing on endoscopy,” Dr Sami added. “Like all biologics, mirikizumab can increase the risk of infections and may cause mild side effects like headaches, cold symptoms, or raised liver tests – so it’s prescribed under specialist supervision.”
However, he cautioned that, as with most drugs, there are side effects. “These include a greater chance of getting infections,” Dr Sami warned. He further noted: “[You can also get] pain at the injection site, headaches and elevated liver enzymes.”
Dr Sami concluded by revealing that mirikizumab should be available to “eligible Crohn’s patients” in England within 30 days and Wales within 60 days.
The charity, Crohn’s and Colitis UK adds further details online, stating:
NICE has now recommended mirikizumab as a treatment option for adults with moderately or severely active Crohn’s who:
- Cannot take an anti-TNF medicine such as adalimumab, infliximab or golimumab
- Have not responded well enough to a previous biologic medicine
- Have stopped responding to a previous biologic medicine
- Have had to stop taking a previous biological medicine because of side effects
Crohn’s and Colitis UK also explains how patients will be treated, adding:
“You will have your first three doses of mirikizumab through a drip into a vein. You will have one dose every 4 weeks. This aims to get your Crohn’s under control.
“After this, you will have mirikizumab as an injection under your skin. Your doctor or nurse will teach you how to use it yourself at home. You will have the injection every 4 weeks. The injections aim to keep your Crohn’s under control.”