infliximab + vedolizumab

Infliximab + vedolizumab is a combination of two monoclonal antibody biologic drugs used in the management of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), particularly Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, especially in patients with refractory or severe disease. Infliximab is a chimeric monoclonal antibody that targets and neutralizes tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), a key pro-inflammatory cytokine implicated in IBD pathogenesis. Vedolizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody that selectively binds to the α4β7 integrin on lymphocytes, blocking their interaction with mucosal addressin cell adhesion molecule-1 (MAdCAM-1) and thereby inhibiting gut-specific lymphocyte trafficking and inflammation. The rationale for combining these agents lies in their complementary mechanisms—broad systemic immunosuppression by infliximab and gut-selective anti-inflammatory action by vedolizumab—which may provide benefit for patients not responding adequately to monotherapy. Clinical case series suggest this combination can be effective for inducing or maintaining remission without an increased risk of adverse events compared to anti-TNF therapy alone[1][2][4].