Ustekinumab: a novel therapeutic option in Crohn’s disease

INTRODUCTION: Although anti-tumour necrosis factor (TNF) agents have caused a paradigm shift in the management of moderate-to-severe Crohn's, they are sometimes associated with diminished or absent response in a considerable proportion of patients. Hence agents targeting pathways other than TNF are needed. Ustekinumab is a monoclonal antibody directed against the p40 subunit of IL-12 and 23. AREAS COVERED: This manuscript summarises the available evidence on the efficacy and safety of Ustekinumab in Crohn's disease through data available from randomised controlled trials and compassionate use programs across the world. EXPERT OPINION: Current literature strongly supports the fact that ustekinumab is clinically efficacious and reasonably safe for induction and maintenance of remission in moderate-to-severe Crohn's disease.