AbbVie Unveils New Gastroenterology Data at 2024 Digestive Disease Week

AbbVie, a leader in gastroenterology, is set to present 15 abstracts at the 2024 Digestive Disease Week (DDW) Annual Meeting from May 18-21 in Washington, D.C., and virtually. This array of presentations underscores AbbVie’s commitment to improving the standards of care for patients suffering from inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

Andrew Anisfeld, Ph.D., vice president of global medical affairs, Immunology at AbbVie, highlighted that the research presented will address both acute symptom relief and long-term care needs for IBD patients. AbbVie's efforts are aimed at identifying new opportunities and driving scientific discoveries to enhance the understanding and treatment of IBD.

Among the key presentations is data from the SEQUENCE head-to-head trial, which compares the efficacy of risankizumab (SKYRIZI®) against ustekinumab (STELARA®) in treating moderate-to-severe Crohn's disease. This trial includes an economic analysis and an oral presentation focused on inflammation biomarkers. Additionally, efficacy and safety data from the INSPIRE Phase 3 induction study and the COMMAND Phase 3 maintenance study of risankizumab will be presented. These studies evaluate clinical, endoscopic, and histologic outcomes in adults with moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis.

The presentations also feature findings on upadacitinib (RINVOQ®), another significant therapeutic approach in AbbVie's IBD portfolio. Notable among these is research on corticosteroid-free remission over two years of upadacitinib therapy in patients with moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis. Moreover, the impact of upadacitinib on lipid profiles in patients with IBD will be analyzed, drawing data from Phase 3 induction and maintenance studies in Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

AbbVie's extensive research endeavors reflect its dedication to elevating the standards of care for IBD. By bringing forward new evidence and building on a strong scientific foundation, AbbVie aims to shape the future landscape of IBD treatment and improve the quality of life for those affected by these chronic conditions.

SKYRIZI (risankizumab-rzaa) is a key element of AbbVie's presentation at DDW. It is an interleukin-23 (IL-23) inhibitor approved for treating plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and Crohn's disease, though not yet approved for ulcerative colitis. The therapy is designed to selectively block IL-23 by binding to its p19 subunit, which is implicated in the inflammatory processes of several chronic immune-mediated diseases.

RINVOQ (upadacitinib), a selective JAK inhibitor developed by AbbVie, is also under the spotlight. This medication is currently being studied for various immune-mediated inflammatory diseases, and it has received approvals for treating rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, and eczema.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) includes chronic conditions like Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), both of which involve persistent inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. CD often affects the small intestine and colon, causing symptoms like diarrhea and abdominal pain. UC, on the other hand, is characterized by continuous inflammation of the large intestine, leading to symptoms such as rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, and bloody diarrhea. Both conditions can worsen over time, leading to significant physical, emotional, and economic burdens for patients.

The DDW Annual Meeting, the largest international gathering of professionals in gastroenterology, hepatology, endoscopy, and gastrointestinal surgery, provides a platform for showcasing the latest advances in GI research and treatment. AbbVie’s active participation in this event demonstrates its ongoing commitment to cutting-edge research and the development of innovative therapies to address the complex needs of patients with IBD.