What's Happening?
Celltrion has presented real-world data at UEG Week 2025, demonstrating the efficacy and safety of switching from intravenous (IV) to subcutaneous (SC) infliximab for patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The data, shared by experts at the event, showed high treatment persistence and low relapse risk among patients who switched to SC infliximab. The findings suggest that SC infliximab is well tolerated and effective, even in challenging cases such as obesity or complicated disease phenotypes.
Why It's Important?
The ability to switch from IV to SC infliximab offers significant benefits for IBD patients, including improved convenience and potentially better adherence to treatment. This could lead to enhanced patient outcomes and reduced healthcare costs associated with hospital-based IV administration. The positive data may encourage healthcare providers to adopt SC infliximab as a standard treatment option, improving the quality of life for many patients.
What's Next?
As the data gains recognition, more healthcare systems may consider integrating SC infliximab into their treatment protocols for IBD. This could lead to broader acceptance and use of SC formulations in other therapeutic areas, potentially transforming the administration of biologic drugs. Further studies may be conducted to explore the long-term benefits and cost-effectiveness of SC infliximab.
Beyond the Headlines
The shift towards SC administration reflects a broader trend in healthcare towards patient-centered approaches that prioritize convenience and adherence. This development may influence future drug formulations and delivery methods, emphasizing the importance of patient experience in treatment design.