IBD Medication Learning Tool
A comprehensive educational resource for gastroenterology fellows. Explore mechanisms of action, landmark trials, dosing, safety profiles, and the latest evidence for IBD therapies.
Drug Classes
View all medicationsMonoclonal antibodies targeting TNF-alpha. First-line biologics with the longest track record. Key for fistulizing disease and extraintestinal manifestations.
Infliximab, Adalimumab, Certolizumab Pegol, Golimumab
Gut-selective therapy blocking lymphocyte trafficking to the GI tract via alpha4-beta7 integrin. Favorable safety profile.
Vedolizumab
Blocks the shared p40 subunit of IL-12 and IL-23, inhibiting both Th1 and Th17 pathways. Dual mechanism with broad efficacy.
Ustekinumab
Selective p19 inhibitors targeting only IL-23, preserving IL-12-mediated host defense. Emerging as potent options with excellent safety.
Risankizumab, Guselkumab, Mirikizumab
Oral small molecules inhibiting Janus kinases to block cytokine signaling. Rapid onset but important safety considerations (MACE, VTE).
Tofacitinib, Upadacitinib
Oral agents that trap lymphocytes in lymph nodes by modulating S1P receptors. Requires cardiac monitoring at initiation.
Ozanimod, Etrasimod
Foundational therapies: 5-ASA for mild UC, thiopurines for steroid-sparing maintenance, corticosteroids for acute flares only.
Conventional Therapies