vedolizumab + upadacitinib

Vedolizumab + upadacitinib is an investigational combination therapy for inflammatory bowel diseases, specifically moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD). Vedolizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody that targets the α4β7 integrin, blocking its interaction with mucosal addressin cell adhesion molecule-1 (MAdCAM-1), thereby inhibiting lymphocyte migration into gastrointestinal tissue and reducing gut inflammation. Upadacitinib is a selective Janus kinase 1 (JAK1) inhibitor that blocks cytokine signaling involved in immune responses. The combination aims to provide dual-targeted immunosuppression by addressing both leukocyte trafficking and intracellular cytokine signaling pathways. Early clinical studies suggest improved clinical and endoscopic outcomes compared to vedolizumab monotherapy in UC, as well as potential benefit in refractory cases of UC and CD[1][2][3].