Jairath, Vipul

Aims Accurate determination of histological activity in ulcerative colitis (UC) is essential given its diagnostic and prognostic importance. Data on the relationship between histology and immune cell markers are limited. We aimed to evaluate the association between histological disease activity and immune cell marker concentration in colonic biopsies from patients with UC. Methods Sigmoid colon biopsies from 20 patients with UC were retrospectively assessed using the Robarts Histopathology Index (RHI). Targeted mass spectrometry determined the concentration of 18 immune cell markers (cluster of differentiation (CD) 4, CD8, CD19, CD20, CD40, CD56, CD68, CD103, forkhead box p3 (FOXP3), human leucocyte antigen, DR alpha chain (HLA-DRA), interleukin 10 (IL-10), IL-23 subunit alpha (IL-23A), IL-23 receptor (IL-23R), IL-2 receptor alpha chain (IL-2RA), Ki67, lymphocyte-activation gene 3 (LAG-3), programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and PD ligand 1 (PD-L1)). The association between RHI score and immune cell marker concentration was quantified using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient (ρ) and related 95% CIs. Results Fourteen of the 18 immune cell marker proteins were detected, with tissue concentration ranging from 0.003 to 11.53 fmol/µg. The overall RHI score was positively correlated with CD19, CD20, CD40, FOXP3, LAG-3, PD-1 and PD-L1 concentration (ρ=0.596–0.799) and negatively correlated with CD56 concentration (ρ=−0.460). There was no significant association between RHI score and CD4, CD8, CD68, CD103, HLA-DRA or Ki67 concentration. Conclusions This study provides insight into the correlation between immune cell marker expression and histological disease activity and the possible molecular and immunological determinants underlying microscopic disease activity in UC.

Abstract Background The primary objective of the VIVID-1 trial (NCT03926130) was to demonstrate efficacy and safety of mirikizumab (miri), a p19-directed anti-IL-23 antibody, compared to placebo (PBO) in patients (pts) with moderate-to-severe Crohn’s disease. Miri demonstrated statistically significant improvements in co-primary and all key secondary endpoints versus (vs) PBO1. Here we present the results of secondary endpoints on the comparisons of miri to ustekinumab (uste), a p40 directed anti-IL-12/IL-23 inhibitor from the Phase 3, randomised, double-blind, double-dummy, active- and PBO-controlled, treat-through (TT) study, VIVID-1 (NCT03926130). Methods Adult pts (N=1065) were randomised 6:3:2 to miri (N=579) 900mg intravenously (IV) every 4 weeks (Q4W) to W12, then 300mg subcutaneously (SC) Q4W to W52, uste (N=287) one ~6 mg/kg IV dose, then 90mg SC Q8W to W52 or PBO (N=199). At W12 PBO responders continued PBO to W52; PBO non-responders received the same blinded miri regimen as described above (IV then SC). Efficacy of miri vs uste was assessed by the proportion of pts achieving endoscopic response and by the proportion of pts achieving clinical remission by Crohn’s Disease Activity Index (CDAI) at W52 (both gated). Additional non-multiplicity-adjusted endpoints included endoscopic remission, corticosteroid-free clinical remission by CDAI, and the composite of CDAI clinical remission and endoscopic response at W52. (Figure 1 for definitions). Results Baseline characteristics were overall balanced across the three treatment groups (table 1). Pts treated with miri achieved all key major secondary endpoints (p<.000001) compared to PBO (Figure 1). Miri achieved non-inferiority to uste for clinical remission by CDAI (p=0.113117) (Figure 1C). Although superiority to uste in endoscopic response was not achieved (p=0.51) (Figure 1A), in biologic failed pts miri demonstrated a numerical trend towards greater response rates compared to uste for endoscopic response and clinical remission by CDAI (Figure 1 B & D). The overall safety profile was consistent with the known safety profile of miri. The proportion of treatment emergent adverse events (TEAE) were similar for miri (78.6%) and uste (77.3%); most common TEAEs were COVID-19, anaemia, arthralgia, headache, upper respiratory tract infection, nasopharyngitis and injection site reaction. Instances of serious adverse events were comparable for miri (10.3%) and uste (10.7%). Conclusion In this phase 3 TT design study, miri achieved non-inferiority to uste for clinical remission by CDAI. In biologic failed pts miri had a numerical trend towards greater response compared to uste in clinical and endoscopic endpoints, with an acceptable safety profile. 1Ferrante et al., submitted to ECCO 2024

SummaryBackgroundThe optimal ulcerative colitis biopsy protocol is unclear.AimTo evaluate the number of biopsies required to accurately assess microscopic disease activity in ulcerative colitisMethodsBiopsies from patients with ≥4 rectosigmoid samples, and clinical and endoscopic data, were retrospectively obtained from a prospective biobank. Histology and endoscopic videos were read blindly. A 4‐biopsy Robarts Histopathology Index (RHI) reference score, consisting of the worst item‐level ratings from four biopsies, was compared to 1‐, 2‐ and 3‐biopsy estimates. Agreement was determined using bivariate errors‐in‐variable regression analysis (acceptance interval: ±8.25). Endoscopic activity and disease location subgroup analyses were also performed.ResultsForty‐six patients had ≥4 rectosigmoid biopsies available (N = 287). The 2‐biopsy (tolerance interval: −7.66, 4.79) and 3‐biopsy (tolerance interval: −4.86, 3.46) RHI scores demonstrated acceptable agreement with 4‐biopsy scores. One‐biopsy scores demonstrated unacceptable agreement (tolerance interval: −13.99, 7.78). Mean RHI scores using the 2‐, 3‐ and 4‐biopsy approaches were similar (6.1 ± 9.6 P = 0.36; 6.8 ± 10.5, P = 0.7; 7.5 ± 11.2), whereas the 1‐biopsy estimate was lower (4.4 ± 8.1, P = 0.06). Histological remission rates were identical for the 2‐, 3‐ and 4‐biopsy methods (65.2%, P = 1.0). Subgroup analysis demonstrated that three biopsies were required in patients with endoscopically active disease. Sampling additional colonic locations yielded lower histological remission rates compared to rectosigmoid sampling alone (33.3% vs 61.9%, P = 0.1).ConclusionsA minimum of two — conservatively, three — biopsies are required to reliably assess disease activity in a single colonic segment using the RHI. Further studies are needed of endoscopically active patients and sampling locations. These results have implications for biopsy strategies in clinical trials and practice.

LINKED CONTENTThis article is linked to Almradi et al paper. To view this article, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16248

Abstract Background Perianal fistulas and abscesses occur commonly as complications of pediatric Crohn’s disease (CD). A validated imaging assessment tool for quantification of perianal disease severity and activity is needed to evaluate treatment response. We aimed to identify magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based measures of perianal fistulizing disease activity and study design features appropriate for pediatric patients. Methods Seventy-nine statements relevant to MRI-based assessment of pediatric perianal fistulizing CD activity and clinical trial design were generated from literature review and expert opinion. Statement appropriateness was rated by a panel (N = 15) of gastroenterologists, radiologists, and surgeons using modified RAND/University of California Los Angeles appropriateness methodology. Results The modified Van Assche Index (mVAI) and the Magnetic Resonance Novel Index for Fistula Imaging in CD (MAGNIFI-CD) were considered appropriate instruments for use in pediatric perianal fistulizing disease clinical trials. Although there was concern regarding the use of intravascular contrast material in pediatric patients, its use in clinical trials was considered appropriate. A clinically evident fistula tract and radiologic disease defined as at least 1 fistula or abscess on pelvic MRI were considered appropriate trial inclusion criteria. A coprimary clinical and radiologic end point and inclusion of a patient-reported outcome were also considered appropriate. Conclusion Outcomes of treatment of perianal fistulizing disease in children must include MRI. Existing multi-item measures, specifically the mVAI and MAGNIFI-CD, can be adapted and used for children. Further research to assess the operating properties of the indices when used in a pediatric patient population is ongoing.

Abstract Background and Aims To evaluate the effect of mirikizumab, a p19-targeted anti-interleukin-23, on histological and/or endoscopic outcomes in moderately-to-severely active ulcerative colitis [UC]. Methods Endoscopic remission [ER], histological improvement [HI], histological remission [HR], histological-endoscopic mucosal improvement [HEMI], and histological-endoscopic mucosal remission [HEMR] were assessed at Week [W]12 [LUCENT-1: N = 1162, induction] and W40 [LUCENT-2: N = 544, maintenance] for patients randomised to mirikizumab or placebo. Analyses were performed to evaluate predictors of: HEMI at W12 with mirikizumab and HEMR at W40 in patients re-randomised to subcutaneous [SC] mirikizumab; associations between W12 histological/endoscopic endpoints and W40 outcomes in mirikizumab responders re-randomised to mirikizumab SC; and associations between W40 endoscopic normalisation [EN] with/without HR. Results Significantly more patients treated with mirikizumab achieved HI, HR, ER, HEMI, and HEMR vs placebo [p <0.001], irrespective of prior biologic/tofacitinib failure [p <0.05]. Lower clinical baseline disease activity, female sex, no baseline immunomodulator use, and no prior biologic/tofacitinib failure were predictors of HEMI at W12 [p <0.05]. Corticosteroid use and longer disease duration were negative predictors of achieving HEMR at W40 [p <0.05]. W12 HI, HR, or ER was associated with W40 HEMI or HEMR [p <0.05]; ER at W12 was associated with clinical remission [CR] [p <0.05] and corticosteroid-free remission [CSFR] at W40 [p = 0.052]. HR and HEMR at W12 were associated with CSFR, CR, and symptomatic remission at W40. Alternate HEMR [EN + HR] at W40 was associated with bowel urgency remission at W40 [p <0.05]. Conclusions Early resolution of endoscopic and histological inflammation with mirikizumab is associated with better UC outcomes. Clinicaltrials.gov: LUCENT-1, NCT03518086; LUCENT-2, NCT03524092.

INTRODUCTION: Rapidity of symptom resolution informs treatment choice in patients with moderate-severe ulcerative colitis (UC). We conducted a systematic review and network meta-analysis comparing early symptomatic remission with approved therapies. METHODS: Through a systematic literature review to December 31, 2022, we identified randomized trials in adult outpatients with moderate-severe UC treated with approved therapies (tumor necrosis factor α antagonists, vedolizumab, ustekinumab, janus kinase inhibitors, or ozanimod), compared with each other or placebo, reporting rates of symptomatic remission (based on partial Mayo score, with resolution of rectal bleeding and near-normalization of stool frequency) at weeks 2, 4, and/or 6. We performed random-effects network meta-analysis using a frequentist approach and estimated relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence interval values. RESULTS: On network meta-analysis, upadacitinib was more effective than all agents in achieving symptomatic remission at weeks 2 (range of RR, 2.85–6.27), 4 (range of RR, 1.78–2.37), and 6 (range of RR, 1.84–2.79). Tumor necrosis factor α antagonists and filgotinib, but not ustekinumab and vedolizumab, were more effective than ozanimod in achieving symptomatic remission at week 2, but not at weeks 4 and 6. With approximately 10% placebo-treated patients achieving symptomatic remission at 2 weeks, we estimated 68%, 22%, 23.7%, 23.9%, 22.2%, 18.4%, 15.7%, and 10.9% of upadacitinib-, filgotinib-, infliximab-, adalimumab-, golimumab-, ustekinumab-, vedolizumab-, and ozanimod-treated patients would achieve early symptomatic remission, ustekinumab and vedolizumab achieving rapid remission only in biologic-naïve patients. DISCUSSION: In a systematic review and network meta-analysis, upadacitinib was most effective in achieving early symptomatic remission, whereas ozanimod was relatively slower acting.