Vedolizumab for treating active pouchitis

Vedolizumab is in clinical development for the treatment of active pouchitis in patients who have undergone recent ileal pouch anastomosis (IPAA). Pouchitis is an inflammation of the pouch, an area of the gut created by joining two ends of the intestines during surgery. The pouch is created following IPAA surgery in order to reconnect the small intestine to the anus. Active pouchitis occurs when a patient has increased bowel movements and a characteristic appearance of cells under a microscope. Patients who do not respond to current recommended treatments have limited therapeutic options.