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Etrasimod for the treatment of ulcerative colitis

    Pauline Wils

    *Author for correspondence: Tel.: +33 320 445 343;

    E-mail Address: pauline.wils@chru-lille.fr

    Inserm, CHU Lille, U1286 - INFINITE - Institute for Translational Research in Inflammation, University of Lille, F-59000 Lille, France

    Department of Gastroenterology, Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire de Lille, University of Lille, 59000, France

    &
    Laurent Peyrin-Biroulet

    University of Lorraine, CHRU-Nancy, Department of Gastroenterology, F-54000 Nancy, France

    University of Lorraine, Inserm, NGERE, F-54000 Nancy, France

    Published Online:https://doi.org/10.2217/imt-2022-0255

    Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) and its receptor (S1PR) are involved in the pathogenesis of multiple immune-mediated inflammatory disorders, including inflammatory bowel disease. The use of S1PR modulators represents a new therapeutic option for ulcerative colitis patients. Etrasimod is an oral selective S1PR1, S1PR4 and S1PR5 modulator that inhibits the trafficking of lymphocytes from the lymph nodes into the blood. Recently, etrasimod has demonstrated efficacy in the phase II OASIS study and its open-label extension for the treatment of ulcerative colitis patients. This article reviews the mechanism of action of etrasimod and summarizes the available clinical efficacy and safety data regarding etrasimod, which is a promising drug in the treatment of patients with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis.

    Plain language summary

    Etrasimod is a new and promising drug for ulcerative colitis patients. Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease caused by the body's inability to control its immune system. This leads to immune cell recruitment in the lining of the colon, causing inflammation. Etrasimod helps to control the level of immune cells in the blood, which means that fewer immune cells reach the lining of the colon, reducing inflammation. Etrasimod is fast-acting and given once a day by mouth and has demonstrated promising efficacy and safety in the phase II OASIS study and its open-label extension for the treatment of ulcerative colitis patients. Therefore, etrasimod may expand treatment options for patients with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis.

    Tweetable abstract

    In this review, the authors summarize the mechanism of action of etrasimod and provide an update on the available clinical efficacy and safety data regarding etrasimod for the treatment of ulcerative colitis.

    Papers of special note have been highlighted as: • of interest; •• of considerable interest

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