Part 4 · The future · 16/22
Scientists have never worked so hard on Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Here is where they are aiming, and what AI is changing.
A bacterium (MAP) is suspected in some people with Crohn's. Not proven yet.
New: targeting the microbe detector (NOD2, RIPK) and the basic alarms.
A new messenger targeted: TL1A. And the IL-23 receptor blocked by a tablet, or with an injection every 3 to 6 months.
A more targeted relay than today’s JAK drugs.
A new molecule from the same family as Zeposia and Velsipity.
The equivalent of Entyvio in a tablet, and a new “key” being targeted (CCR9).
New: strengthening the body’s natural brakes on inflammation instead of blocking.
Helping the gut wall rebuild itself.
For the first time, treatments against fibrosis.
Tirzepatide + Omvoh (Ph. 3), for people who are overweight.
JNJ-4804: IL-23 + TNF (Ph. 2b met its goals, Ph. 3 announced). ABBV-466: IL-23 + α4β7 (Ph. 2).
protein shapes predicted by AlphaFold, almost all of those known. Knowing the shape of a target means knowing where a drug can latch on. Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2024.
to find garutadustat, a drug candidate for ulcerative colitis designed by AI, with about 115 molecules tested (according to the company Insilico). Traditional methods take 4 to 5 years on average.
before diagnosis: in research, a blood test can already pick up signs of Crohn's. One day, we might be able to stop the disease from starting.