A person navigating a maze of medications with a compass pointing towards 'Informed Choice.'

IBD Treatment: How New Research is Changing the Game

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Elliot Brynn in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Comparing Vedolizumab and Infliximab, and the Power of Patient Decision Aids"


Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a chronic condition affecting millions, and finding the right treatment approach can feel like navigating a maze. Traditionally, treatment decisions have often been driven by physician preferences and standard protocols. However, new research is shedding light on the comparative effectiveness of different therapies and the importance of patient involvement in the decision-making process.

Two key studies presented at a recent European Crohn's and Colitis Organisation (ECCO) congress offer valuable insights. The first study compares the outcomes of vedolizumab (VDZ) and infliximab (IFX) as initial therapies for IBD. The second explores the impact of a Crohn's disease decision aid on treatment choices. Both studies highlight the evolving landscape of IBD management and the increasing focus on personalized care.

This article will delve into these studies, breaking down the key findings and explaining what they mean for individuals living with IBD. We'll explore the comparative effectiveness of VDZ and IFX, and examine how decision aids can empower patients to take an active role in their treatment journey. Our goal is to provide you with a clear understanding of these advancements, enabling you to have more informed conversations with your healthcare providers.

Vedolizumab vs. Infliximab: A Head-to-Head Comparison

A person navigating a maze of medications with a compass pointing towards 'Informed Choice.'

One of the presented studies directly compared vedolizumab (VDZ) and infliximab (IFX) as initial treatments for IBD in biologic-naïve patients (those who had not previously used biologic therapies). This is significant because current guidelines often recommend VDZ after a patient has failed or become intolerant to a TNF antagonist like IFX. The study aimed to assess whether VDZ could be a viable first-line option.

Researchers analyzed data from the Explorys Universe database, identifying patients who initiated VDZ or IFX between May 2014 and April 2017. They then compared various outcomes over the first year of treatment, including:

  • Treatment Discontinuation: How long patients stayed on each medication.
  • Flare Rates: The frequency of disease flares requiring intravenous steroids.
  • Hospitalization Rates: The number of all-cause hospitalizations.
  • IBD-Related Surgeries: The number of surgeries related to IBD.
The study found that, a year after initiating treatment, clinical outcomes were similar for biologic-naïve patients on VDZ as for IFX. Numerically lower rates of all-cause hospitalization and IBD surgery were seen with VDZ. This suggests that VDZ can be considered effective as first-line treatment in IBD.

Empowering Patients Through Informed Choices

The research presented underscores a significant shift in IBD management: a move toward more personalized and patient-centered care. While the VDZ vs. IFX study provides valuable data on comparative effectiveness, the decision aid study highlights the crucial role of patient involvement.

By providing patients with clear, unbiased information about treatment options and potential risks, decision aids empower them to have more informed conversations with their doctors and make choices that align with their individual values and preferences. This collaborative approach can lead to greater treatment adherence and improved outcomes.

Ultimately, the future of IBD treatment lies in combining the latest scientific evidence with a strong emphasis on patient empowerment. As research continues to refine our understanding of these complex conditions, tools like decision aids will play an increasingly vital role in helping patients navigate their treatment journey and achieve optimal health.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

Everything You Need To Know

1

What are Vedolizumab (VDZ) and Infliximab (IFX), and how are they used to treat IBD?

Vedolizumab (VDZ) and Infliximab (IFX) are both medications used to treat Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). The article discusses a study comparing their effectiveness as initial treatments for IBD. Infliximab (IFX) has been traditionally used first, however, the study indicates Vedolizumab (VDZ) is a viable alternative. Both are biologic therapies, meaning they are made from living organisms. The choice of which one to use can impact the patient’s treatment journey.

2

What specific factors did the study use to compare Vedolizumab (VDZ) and Infliximab (IFX)?

The study looked at several factors to compare Vedolizumab (VDZ) and Infliximab (IFX). These included treatment discontinuation rates, flare rates (how often the disease worsened and required intravenous steroids), hospitalization rates (for any reason), and the rate of IBD-related surgeries. These measures help determine which treatment keeps patients well for longer, reduces the need for hospitalization and surgery, and minimizes disease flares.

3

What did the study comparing Vedolizumab (VDZ) and Infliximab (IFX) find?

The findings suggest that Vedolizumab (VDZ) can be an effective first-line treatment option for biologic-naïve patients, similar to Infliximab (IFX). The study showed that outcomes were similar, with even numerically lower rates of hospitalization and IBD-related surgery observed with Vedolizumab (VDZ). This is significant because it challenges the traditional treatment approach and offers patients and physicians another option when considering treatment.

4

Why are decision aids important in managing IBD?

The use of decision aids is important because they empower patients to actively participate in treatment decisions. A decision aid provides information about different treatment options, allowing patients to understand the potential benefits and risks associated with each. This fosters a more patient-centered approach to IBD care, as patients become active partners with their healthcare providers, leading to better adherence and potentially improved outcomes.

5

How is IBD management changing based on this new research?

IBD management is evolving towards personalized and patient-centered care. While Infliximab (IFX) has been a standard first treatment, the research indicates that Vedolizumab (VDZ) can also be considered as a first-line treatment. Decision aids facilitate shared decision-making, which is a move away from solely physician-driven decisions. This trend reflects a desire for patients to have a more significant role in their healthcare decisions, using information to make informed choices about treatments like Vedolizumab (VDZ) and Infliximab (IFX).

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