Health Conditions

What is on the horizon?

Research continues in the quest to more clearly identify the causes of IBD. Studies are underway that examine genetic and environmental factors that may have a role in the development of IBD. Once the causes of IBD are better understood, new treatments and detection techniques can be developed. Researchers recently discovered a specific gene that has been linked to the development of Crohn's disease. The presence of this gene in a person is an accurate predictor of the chances for developing Crohn's disease.

Additionally, researchers are investigating a variety of new treatments for IBD. Preliminary studies of interleukin-11 have shown promising results in patients with ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Parnaparin-MMX, a multimatrix oral formulation of a low-molecular-weight heparin, is being studied for its effectiveness in treating mild to moderate ulcerative colitis affecting the left side. However, most studies have not found heparin to be an ideal agent for the treatment of ulcerative colitis. Golimumab, a monoclonal antibody like infliximab (which is already used in the treatment of ulcerative colitis), is under investigation. In addition to examining the effectiveness of monoclonal antibodies, studies are looking at the potential risks of using these drugs. Probiotics may help to maintain remission of IBS. Probiotics are live bacteria, often lactobacillus, that is taken by mouth to help reestablish the bacteria that are normally present in the intestines. Other agents including growth hormone, nicotine patches, fish oil, budesonide (a corticosteroid), rosiglitazone (Avandia), tacrolimus, and mycophenolate mofetil (in combination with steroids) have shown some effect in IBD, but further study is warranted.