Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in which abnormal reactions of the immune system cause inflammation and ulcers on the inner lining of the large intestine. The cause of UC is not known, although genetics and environmental factors both appear to play a role. UC is classified as mild, moderate, or severe based on symptoms.   

Patients experience times of remission when symptoms disappear for weeks or years, followed by relapse when symptoms return. During periods of relapse patients experience a significant impact on their everyday lives with e.g., blood in the stool, diarrhea, fecal incontinence, increased frequency of bowel movements, fatigue, and abdominal discomfort (cramps). Patients with UC might also experience symptoms and comorbidities such as psoriasis, hidradenitis suppurative, uveitis and spondyloarthropathies.  

Treatment of UC 

Different treatment options are used depending on the severity of the disease. Mild to moderate patients with UC are treated with amino salicylates, corticosteroids or immunomodulators to reduce inflammation. Patients with moderate to severe UC are often treated with immunosuppressants targeted small molecules (JAK inhibitors and S1P receptor modulators) or biologics, or a combination of treatments. Patients with severe UC that do not respond to treatment, or if complications such as colon cancer develop, are referred to surgery. Despite the treatment options available today an unmet medical need persists for new treatments of moderate-to-severe UC for a safe oral treatment without screening and monitoring by the treating physician. 

UNION is developing orismilast for the treatment of UC.  

Read more about orismilast here.  

*Source: Evaluate Pharma 2023