Part 1 · Understanding your illness · 1/22
The discoveries of recent years that are changing the way we see and treat the disease.
The bowel cut in a slice, like a tube seen end-on
BEFOREThe disease starts with the first symptoms.
NOWIt starts silently. In research, a blood test picks up signs up to 16 years before diagnosis (not yet a routine test).
Gastroenterology 2025; Nature Communications 2025
BEFOREYou start gently and step up if it isn't enough.
NOWTreating early and hard changes the future: 79% lasting remission versus 15%, and far fewer emergency operations.
PROFILE trial, 2024
BEFOREIf I have no more symptoms, I've won.
NOWThe aim is a healed bowel wall. Calprotectin (stool test) and bowel ultrasound make it possible to check without a colonoscopy every time.
STRIDE international recommendations
BEFOREHaving surgery means failure.
NOWWhen Crohn's affects only a short segment at the end of the ileum, early surgery is a real option, just as valid as medicines.
LIR!C trial and its long-term follow-up
BEFOREA stricture can only be treated with surgery or dilation.
NOWThe first anti-scarring medicines are being tested in humans, including a large trial of 320 patients since October 2026.
Ontunisertib, NOV-ERA trial
BEFORECrohn's is a single disease.
NOWMore than 200 regions of the genome are involved, and Crohn's of the ileum differs from Crohn's of the colon. We are moving towards tailor-made treatments.
International genetic studies
BEFOREDiet doesn't really matter.
NOWIn children, 100% liquid nutrition calms flares as well as cortisone does. Ultra-processed foods are linked to a higher risk.
ECCO/ESPGHAN recommendations; large cohorts
BEFOREOne treatment at a time.
NOWCombinations of two biologics are being tested, with more healed lining than with just one.
ABBV-466, DUET programme