Expanding targeted immune modulators in ulcerative colitis

Over the past decade, the treatment options for moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis have increased rapidly, with the regulatory approval of multiple non-tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-targeting biologics and small molecule inhibitors, including vedolizumab in 2014, tofacitinib in 2018, and ustekinumab in 2019.1 Among these, tofacitinib (a Janus kinase [JAK]-inhibitor which targets JAK1, JAK2, and JAK3) is particularly attractive since it is conveniently administered orally, is not immunogenic, and has a fairly rapid onset of action.