Next Article in Journal
Stepwise Reduction of Mycophenolate Mofetil with Conversion to Everolimus for the Treatment of Active BKV in Kidney Transplant Recipients: A Single-Center Experience in Vietnam
Previous Article in Journal
Glaucoma Incidence and Progression in Diabetics: The Canary Islands Study Using the Laguna ONhE Application
 
 
Font Type:
Arial Georgia Verdana
Font Size:
Aa Aa Aa
Line Spacing:
Column Width:
Background:
Article

Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients’ Acceptance for Switching from Intravenous Infliximab or Vedolizumab to Subcutaneous Formulation: The Nancy Experience

1
Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital of Nancy, F-54000 Nancy, France
2
NGERE (Nutrition-Génétique et Exposition aux Risques Environnementaux), U1256 INSERM, Université de Lorraine, F-54000 Nancy, France
3
Unit of Methodology, Data Management and Statistic, Nancy University Hospital, F-54000 Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France
4
Ingénierie Moléculaire et Ingénierie Articulaire (IMoPA), UMR-7365 CNRS, Faculté de Médecine, University Hospital of Nancy, University of Lorraine, F-54000 Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France
5
Gastroenterology and Endoscopy, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, 20132 Milano, Italy
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
These authors contributed equally to this work.
J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11(24), 7296; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11247296
Submission received: 16 November 2022 / Revised: 2 December 2022 / Accepted: 5 December 2022 / Published: 8 December 2022
(This article belongs to the Section Gastroenterology & Hepatopancreatobiliary Medicine)

Abstract

:
Background: Subcutaneous infliximab and vedolizumab formulations have been developed for maintenance therapy in inflammatory bowel disease. The objective of this study was to explore the inflammatory bowel disease patient’s acceptance for switching from intravenous infliximab or vedolizumab to subcutaneous, as well as to describe the causes of refusal or, conversely, the factors associated with acceptance. Methods: Patients were prospectively recruited between June 2021 and March 2022 during their infusion of infliximab or vedolizumab in the Medical Day Hospital of Nancy University Hospital. Adult patients with an established diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease in clinical remission were eligible for inclusion in this study if they had been treated with intravenous infliximab or vedolizumab for at least six months. Results: One hundred and thirty patients were included in this study. Thirty-six patients (27.7%) received vedolizumab and ninety-four patients (72.3%) received infliximab. Median duration of treatment at inclusion was 7.0 years [3.0–11.0]. In this cohort, 77.7% of patients accepted the switch from intravenous infliximab or vedolizumab to subcutaneous. The main reasons for patient’s refusal for switching from intravenous to subcutaneous formulation were fear of loss of efficacy, a more spaced-out medical follow-up, increased frequency of administration, and self-administered injection. A short duration of treatment was associated with a high switch acceptance rate (odd ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval (CI)) = 0.9 (0.8–0.9); p = 0.0002). Conclusion: A large majority of the patients included accepted the switch of their treatment with infliximab or vedolizumab from the intravenous form to the subcutaneous form. This study identified one predictor influencing the acceptance rate in inflammatory bowel disease population: short treatment duration. Subcutaneous infliximab and vedolizumab hold potential for greater patient flexibility by self-administration, reducing travel and hospital attendance for infusion.

1. Introduction

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a heterogeneous group of chronic inflammatory disorders: the main phenotypes comprise ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD) [1,2]. Both are characterized by histologic chronic inflammation, periods of clinical relapse and remission, use of medication, risk of surgery, and impaired quality of life [1,2].
Guidelines recommend tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors, including infliximab for the treatment of moderately to severely active UC and CD that have not responded to conventional therapy [3,4]. As reference product patents have expired, infliximab biosimilars have been developed and had increasing uptake for the treatment of IBD [5].
A subcutaneous (SC) CT-P13 formulation has been developed for maintenance, providing opportunities for CT-P13 self-administration [6,7]. In 2020, SC CT-P13 received regulatory approval from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for all indication previously approved for CT-P13, including IBD [8].
Vedolizumab is an anti α4β7-integrin monoclonal antibody that selectively blocks lymphocyte trafficking to the gut. It is approved as an intravenous (IV) formulation to treat moderately to severely active UC and CD [3,4]. The efficacy and safety of vedolizumab 300 mg intravenous as both induction and maintenance therapy is well established [9,10]. In 2020, a new formulation for SC of vedolizumab was developed to offer this option to patients who may prefer the convenience of SC therapy for maintenance [11].
SC biologics may benefit patients with IBD, including through improved ease of use, increasing convenience, and the reduced requirement for medical visits and associated travel [12]. SC biologics also offer potential benefits for healthcare systems by optimizing medical resources and reducing associated costs [13,14,15]. On the other hand, acceptability of the treatment needs to be investigated. In a French study, they highlighted that the main limiting factors of a treatment are the interval between two doses and the patient’s previous medication [16]. Recently, in a retrospective study on adult patients receiving standard dosing infliximab or vedolizumab maintenance therapy, the switch uptake rates were 58%, with 90% of patients eligible to switch [17]. Awaiting replication of these data is necessary due to cultural and healthcare system differences.
The objective of this study was to investigate the IBD patient’s acceptance for switching from an IV infliximab or IV vedolizumab to its SC formulation, and the factors associated with acceptance.

2. Methods

2.1. Study Design

Patients were prospectively recruited in this observational study between June 2021 to March 2022 during their infusion of infliximab or vedolizumab in the Nancy University Hospital. All patients eligible for inclusion were offered the possibility of switching from IV CT-P13 to SC CT-P13 (120 mg every 2 weeks) or IV vedolizumab to SC vedolizumab (108 mg every 2 weeks). In case of non-acceptance of the switch from the IV form to the SC form of their treatment, they were asked the reason for the non-acceptance. Every patient performed their first self-injection with our advanced practice nurse at the hospital.

2.2. Study Population

Adult patients with an established diagnosis of IBD (CD or UC) may be included in this study if they were currently treated and received intravenous infliximab or vedolizumab since at least six months. No limits were set about prior or concomitant therapies. All patients with IBD, including those with perianal CD, were approached. At inclusion, patients were in clinical remission, which was defined by a Harvey–Bradshaw Index less than 4 for CD and a partial Mayo score less than 3 for UC.

2.3. Data Collection

At inclusion, sociodemographic data (age, gender) and clinical data (age at diagnosis, disease duration, regular tobacco use, type of IBD, location, phenotype, previous IBD surgery, IBD treatment at inclusion, median duration of current treatment at inclusion, and median therapy trough level) were collected. Data on disease activity were also collected (HBI or Mayo score, C-reactive protein, and fecal calprotectin). Collected data were strictly limited to the purpose of this study. Data were provided by patients themselves during their medical consultation or extracted from their electronic medical record. The management of the electronic dataset was realized under conditions guaranteeing the confidentiality of data and the anonymity of patients.

2.4. Statistical Analysis

The distribution of the responses against different questions for the entire dataset was analyzed.
Categorical variables were expressed as percentages, while continuous variables were described by median and Interquartile range [IQR] or min/max values, depending on their distribution. A logistic regression model was used to determine which factors were associated with the acceptance of the switch to a subcutaneous formulation of their current treatment. Firstly, a bivariable logistic regression model was used and variables with a p-value < 0.2 were candidates for the multivariable logistic regression model. Associations were described by odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). The significance threshold was set at 5%. These statistical analyses were performed using SAS version 9.4 software (SAS Institute).

3. Results

3.1. Patient Characteristics

A total of 130 patients were included in the study. Baseline characteristics are shown in Table 1. There were 66 women (50.8%) and 64 men (49.2%). The median [IQR] age at inclusion was 45.5 [17.0] years, and there were 27 active smokers (20.8%). Among this cohort, 44 patients had UC (33.8%), and 86 patients has CD (66.2%). The median age at IBD diagnosis was 26.0 [18.0] years, and median disease duration was 14.0 years [11.0].
Among the patients with CD, the disease was limited to the ileum in 26 cases (30.6%), and to the ileum and colon in 37 (43.5%). Thirty-one patients (36.0%) with CD had a history of perianal disease. Among the patients with UC, the majority had left-sided colitis (40.9%) or pancolitis (52.3%). Thirty-seven patients (28.5%) had previous surgery for IBD.
At inclusion, 36 patients (27.7%) received vedolizumab and 94 patients (72.3%) infliximab. The majority of patients with infliximab had CD (75.5%), and 58.3% of patients with vedolizumab had UC (Table 2). Median duration treatment at inclusion was 7.0 years [8.0]. Seventeen patients (13.1%) had a concomitant treatment at inclusion: 5-ASA (7.7%), azathioprine (2.3%), and methotrexate (3.1%).
Among this cohort, 76 patients (58.5%) needed dose escalation: 59 patients (77.6%) treated with infliximab and 17 patients (22.4%) with vedolizumab. For patients treated with infliximab, 14 (10.6%) received their treatment every 4 weeks, 16 (17.0%) every 6 weeks, 60 every 8 weeks (63.8%) and 8 (8.5%) every 10 or 12 weeks. For patients treated with vedolizumab, 12 received their treatment every 4 weeks (33.3%), 4 every 6 weeks (11.1%), 19 every 8 weeks (52.8%) and one every 12 weeks (2.8%) (Table 2).
At inclusion, median vedolizumab trough level was 15.0 ug/mL [17.3], and median infliximab trough level was 7 ug/mL [6.5].

3.2. IBD Patient’s Acceptance for Switching from an IV Infliximab or IV Vedolizumab to Its SC Formulation

In this cohort, 77.7% of patients agreed to switch from an IV treatment to its SC formulation (Table 3). It represents 83.3% patients receiving vedolizumab and 75.5% receiving infliximab. Among patients needing dose escalation, 55 (79.7%) agreed to switch from an IV treatment to its SC formulation. In the global cohort, patients who agreed to switch had a median treatment duration of 7.0 years [7.0], and patients who refused the switch had a median treatment duration of 12.0 years [6.0] (1.9 versus 3.4 years respectively in patients treated with vedolizumab) (Table 4). In patients treated with infliximab, the median duration of treatment was higher in patient who agreed to switch (5.4 vs. 4.5 years respectively) (Table 5).
In the global cohort, the patient’s non-acceptance reasons of the switch were a fear of loss of efficacy for ten patients (34.5%), a more spaced-out medical follow-up for ten patients (34.5%), increased frequency of administration for three patients (10.3%), and self-administered injection for four patients (13.8%) (Table 3). In the infliximab subgroup, the patient’s non-acceptance reasons of the switch were a negative impact on medical follow-up for nine patients (39.1%), a fear of loss of efficacy for seven patients (30.4%), self-administered injection for three patients (13.0%), and increased frequency of administration for two patients (8.7%). In the vedolizumab subgroup, the patient’s non-acceptance reasons of the switch were a fear of loss of efficacy for three patients (50.0%), a negative impact on medical for one patient (16.7%), increased frequency of administration for one patient (16.7%), follow-up and self-administered injection for one patient (16.7%).

3.3. Factors Associated with Patient’s Acceptance for Switching from IV to SC Formulation

In the multivariate analysis, a short duration of treatment was significantly associated with a higher switch acceptance rate (OR = 0.9, CI 95% 0.8–0.9, p = 0.0002) (Table 6). In contrast, the type of IBD or the current treatment (infliximab or vedolizumab) were not associated with patient’s acceptance rate for switching from IV to SC formulation.

4. Discussion

The advent of SC formulations of infliximab and vedolizumab offers patients and IBD units the opportunity to switch patients established on IBD therapy while being maintained on the same biologic. The availability of infliximab and vedolizumab in a SC formulation provides a useful alternative for patients requiring these treatments, with the possibility of self-administration at home. The purpose of the study was to investigate the IBD patient’s acceptance for switching from an IV infliximab or IV vedolizumab to its SC formulation, and to identify predictors associated with patient’s acceptance for switching.
An acceptability of 77.7% in the 130 patients with IBD included in this study and followed at Nancy University Hospital was identified. Recently, a retrospective study on adult patients receiving standard dosing infliximab or vedolizumab maintenance therapy evaluated the uptake and rationale for choosing to switch from IV infusions to SC injections. Switch uptake rates were 58%, with 90% of patients eligible to switch [17]. In our study, all patients with IBD in clinical remission treated with infliximab or vedolizumab at standard dosing or intensified dosing regimens were included. In the study of Burdge et al., patients on intensified dosing regimens were excluded [17].
In our study, one of the main reasons for non-acceptance of the switch was the fear of loss of efficacy of the treatment. Based on previous studies, SC infliximab efficacy is non-inferior to the originator’s IFX both in de novo treatment and after switch [7,18]. SC vedolizumab is an effective maintenance therapy in patients who responded to two infusions of vedolizumab IV induction therapy and after switch [19,20,21,22,23]. One of the reasons for not accepting the switch was the fear of a negative impact on follow-up due to the interval between medical consultations. After months of injection in a medical center, patients trust the medical staff and maybe feel that their disease is more under control if the treatment process is left to professionals [14]. Patient education is essential in this case and should always be proposed to patients in order to involve them in the cure of their chronic disease. Haghnejad et al. explored the impact of a gastroenterologist’s interview on patients with IBD for switching the infliximab bio-originator to its biosimilar [24]. They showed that the provision of organized information to the patient is a contributive way to enhance patient’s acceptance of biosimilars in IBD [24]. They were 1.47 times more likely to agree to the switch if the interview modified the patient’s opinion on biosimilars [24]. These data highlight the importance of a therapeutic education program to better inform patients and involve them in decision-making when, for example, changing the administration mode of a medication.
In our study, the frequency of administration of the SC formulation of infliximab or vedolizumab was a reason for not switching. Buisson et al. showed that acceptability is highly impacted by the rhythm of administration [16]. In patients with IBD, SC treatment with long intervals between two injections (≥8 weeks) seems to be one of the most accepted modalities [16].
Our study is the first to report that a short duration of treatment was independently associated with a high switch acceptance rate. The probability to accept the switch from IV to SC was reduced by 10% for each year of IV treatment. Age, sex, diagnosis, drug, and line of treatment were not predictors for acceptance of switching. In the study of Burdge et al., duration of treatment was not a predictor for willingness to switch [17]. The main strength of our study is the large number of patients. Participation to our study required a clinical remission and at least six months of IV therapy. All patients with IBD, including those needing dose escalation, were approached. However, there was no follow-up of patients after the switch to the subcutaneous formulation.
In conclusion, more than three quarters of the patients included accepted the switch of their treatment with infliximab or vedolizumab from the IV form to the SC form. This study identified one predictor influencing the acceptance rate in the IBD population: short treatment duration. SC infliximab and vedolizumab hold the potential for greater patient flexibility via self-administration, which reduces travel and hospital attendance for infusion. The implementation of a switch program with the opportunity to discuss this option with an IBD nurse or physician should improve this acceptance rate.

Author Contributions

L.P.-B. conceived the study. C.R. and B.C. wrote the article and created tables. C.G., V.H., E.J., P.N., S.D. and L.P.-B. critically reviewed the manuscript’s content and supervised the project. The manuscript was approved by all the authors. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Funding

This research received no external funding.

Institutional Review Board Statement

Not applicable.

Informed Consent Statement

Not applicable.

Data Availability Statement

The data underlying this article are available in the article.

Conflicts of Interest

C.R. declares no conflict of interest. B.C. has received lecture and/or consulting fees from Abbvie, Amgen, Celltrion, Ferring, Galapagos, Janssen, Takeda. C.G. declares no conflict of interest. V.H. declares no conflict of interest. E.J. declares no conflict of interest. P.N. declares no conflict of interest. S.D. has served as a speaker, consultant, and advisory board member for Schering-Plough, AbbVie, Actelion, Alphawasserman, AstraZeneca, Cellerix, Cosmo Pharmaceuticals, Ferring, Genentech, Grunenthal, Johnson and Johnson, Millenium Takeda, MSD, Nikkiso Europe GmbH, Novo Nordisk, Nycomed, Pfizer, Pharmacosmos, UCB Pharma and Vifor. L;P-B. declares personal fees from Galapagos, AbbVie, Janssen, Genentech, Ferring, Tillots, Celltrion, Takeda, Pfizer, Index Pharmaceuticals, Sandoz, Celgene, Biogen, Samsung Bioepis, Inotrem, Allergan, MSD, Roche, Arena, Gilead, Amgen, BMS, Vifor, Norgine, Mylan, Lilly, Fresenius Kabi, OSE Immunotherapeutics, Enthera, Theravance, Pandion Therapeutics, Gossamer Bio, Viatris and Thermo Fisher, grants from Abbvie, MSD, Takeda and Fresenius Kabi, and stock options from CTMA.

Abbreviations

5 ASA, 5-aminosalicylates; CD, Crohn’s disease; CI, confidence interval; CRP, C-reactive protein; EMA, European Medicines Agency; HBI, Harvey–Bradshaw Index; IBD inflammatory bowel disease; IQR, interquartile range; IV, intravenous; n, number; OR odds ratio; SC, subcutaneous; SD, standard deviation; TNF tumor necrosis factor; UC ulcerative colitis.

References

  1. Torres, J.; Mehandru, S.; Colombel, J.F.; Peyrin-Biroulet, L. Crohn’s disease. Lancet 2017, 389, 1741–1755. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  2. Ungaro, R.; Mehandru, S.; Allen, P.B.; Peyrin-Biroulet, L.; Colombel, J.F. Ulcerative colitis. Lancet 2017, 389, 1756–1770. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  3. Torres, J.; Bonovas, S.; Doherty, G.; Kucharzik, T.; Gisbert, J.P.; Raine, T.; Adamina, M.; Armuzzi, A.; Bachmann, O.; Bager, P.; et al. ECCO Guidelines on Therapeutics in Crohn’s Disease: Medical Treatment. J. Crohn’s Colitis 2020, 14, 4–22. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Green Version]
  4. Raine, T.; Bonovas, S.; Burisch, J.; Kucharzik, T.; Adamina, M.; Annese, V.; Bachmann, O.; Bettenworth, D.; Chaparro, M.; Czuber-Dochan, W.; et al. ECCO Guidelines on Therapeutics in Ulcerative Colitis: Medical Treatment. J. Crohn’s Colitis 2022, 16, 2–17. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  5. Bonovas, S.; Peyrin-Biroulet, L.; Danese, S. Infliximab biosimilar CT-P13 for inflammatory bowel disease. Lancet Gastroenterol. Hepatol. 2018, 3, 373–375. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  6. Parigi, T.L.; D’Amico, F.; Peyrin-Biroulet, L.; Danese, S. Evolution of infliximab biosimilar in inflammatory bowel disease: From intravenous to subcutaneous CT-P13. Expert Opin. Biol. Ther. 2021, 21, 37–46. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  7. Schreiber, S.; Ben-Horin, S.; Leszczyszyn, J.; Dudkowiak, R.; Lahat, A.; Gawdis-Wojnarska, B.; Pukitis, A.; Horynski, M.; Farkas, K.; Kierkus, J.; et al. Randomized Controlled Trial: Subcutaneous versus Intravenous Infliximab CT-P13 Maintenance in Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Gastroenterology 2021, 160, 2340–2353. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  8. European Medicines Agency. Remsima. European Medicines Agency. Published September 17, 2018. Available online: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/human/EPAR/remsima (accessed on 12 December 2021).
  9. Sandborn, W.J.; Feagan, B.G.; Rutgeerts, P.; Hanauer, S.; Colombel, J.-F.; Sands, B.E.; Lukas, M.; Fedorak, R.N.; Lee, S.; Bressler, B.; et al. Vedolizumab as induction and maintenance therapy for Crohn’s disease. N. Engl. J. Med. 2013, 369, 711–721. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Green Version]
  10. Feagan, B.G.; Rutgeerts, P.; Sands, B.E.; Hanauer, S.; Colombel, J.-F.; Sandborn, W.J.; Van Assche, G.; Axler, J.; Kim, H.-J.; Danese, S.; et al. Vedolizumab as induction and maintenance therapy for ulcerative colitis. N. Engl. J. Med. 2013, 369, 699–710. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Green Version]
  11. Sandborn, W.J.; Baert, F.; Danese, S.; Krznarić; Kobayashi, T.; Yao, X.; Chen, J.; Rosario, M.; Bhatia, S.; Kisfalvi, K.; et al. Efficacy and Safety of Vedolizumab Subcutaneous Formulation in a Randomized Trial of Patients With Ulcerative Colitis. Gastroenterology 2020, 158, 562–572.e12. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  12. Ramos, L.; Ramos-Rodríguez, J.; De La Barreda, R.; Gutiérrez-Nicolás, F.; Carrillo-Palau, M.; Alonso-Abreu, I.; Nazco-Casariego, J.; Quintero, E. Adherence to subcutaneous biologic treatment for inflammatory bowel disease. Gastroenterol. Hepatol. 2022, 45, 335–341. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  13. Yoo, H.K.; Byun, H.G.; Caprioli, F.; Fumery, M.; Peyrin-Biroulet, L.; Sreedhar, S.; Potter, J.; Jang, M. Budget impact analysis of the subcutaneous infliximab (CT-P13 SC) for treating inflammatory bowel disease in the Big-5 European (E5) countries. BMC Health Serv. Res. 2022, 22, 1319. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  14. Jonaitis, L.; Marković, S.; Farkas, K.; Gheorghe, L.; Krznarić; Salupere, R.; Mokricka, V.; Spassova, Z.; Gatev, D.; Grosu, I.; et al. Intravenous versus subcutaneous delivery of biotherapeutics in IBD: An expert’s and patient’s perspective. BMC Proc. 2021, 15 (Suppl. S17), 25. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  15. Kuenzig, M.E.; Benchimol, E.I.; Lee, L.E.; Targownik, L.; Singh, H.; Kaplan, G.G.; Bernstein, C.N.; Bitton, A.; Nguyen, G.C.; Lee, K.; et al. The Impact of Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Canada 2018: Direct Costs and Health Services Utilization. J. Can. Assoc. Gastroenterol. 2019, 2 (Suppl. S1), S17–S33. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed] [Green Version]
  16. Buisson, A.; Serrero, M.; Orsat, L.; Nancey, S.; Rivière, P.; Altwegg, R.; Peyrin-Biroulet, L.; Nachury, M.; Hébuterne, X.; Gilletta, C.; et al. Comparative Acceptability of Therapeutic Maintenance Regimens in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Results From the Nationwide ACCEPT2 Study. Inflamm. Bowel Dis. 2022, izac119. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  17. Burdge, G.; Hardman, A.; Carbery, I.; Broglio, G.; Greer, D.; Selinger, C.P. Uptake of a Switching Program for Patients Receiving Intravenous Infliximab and Vedolizumab to Subcutaneous Preparations. J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11, 5669. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  18. Buisson, A.; Nachury, M.; Reymond, M.; Yzet, C.; Wils, P.; Payen, L.; Laugie, M.; Manlay, L.; Mathieu, N.; Pereira, B.; et al. Effectiveness of Switching From Intravenous to Subcutaneous Infliximab in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: The REMSWITCH Study. Clin. Gastroenterol. Hepatol, in press. 2022. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  19. Vermeire, S.; D’Haens, G.; Baert, F.; Danese, S.; Kobayashi, T.; Loftus, E.V.; Bhatia, S.; Agboton, C.; Rosario, M.; Chen, C.; et al. Efficacy and Safety of Subcutaneous Vedolizumab in Patients With Moderately to Severely Active Crohn’s Disease: Results From the VISIBLE 2 Randomised Trial. J. Crohn’s Colitis 2022, 16, 27–38. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  20. Transitioning from Intravenous to Subcutaneous Vedolizumab in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease [TRAVELESS]—PubMed. Available online: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34935945/ (accessed on 6 November 2022).
  21. Kobayashi, T.; Ito, H.; Ashida, T.; Yokoyama, T.; Nagahori, M.; Inaba, T.; Shikamura, M.; Yamaguchi, T.; Hori, T.; Pinton, P.; et al. Efficacy and safety of a new vedolizumab subcutaneous formulation in Japanese patients with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis. Intest. Res. 2021, 19, 448–460. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  22. Volkers, A.; Straatmijer, T.; Duijvestein, M.; Sales, A.; Levran, A.; van Schaik, F.; Maljaars, J.; Gecse, K.; Ponsioen, C.; Grootjans, J.; et al. Real-world experience of switching from intravenous to subcutaneous vedolizumab maintenance treatment for inflammatory bowel diseases. Aliment Pharmacol. Ther. 2022, 56, 1044–1054. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  23. Bergqvist, V.; Holmgren, J.; Klintman, D.; Marsal, J. Real-world data on switching from intravenous to subcutaneous vedolizumab treatment in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Aliment Pharmacol. Ther. 2022, 55, 1389–1401. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  24. Haghnejad, V.; Le Berre, C.; Dominique, Y.; Zallot, C.; Guillemin, F.; Peyrin-Biroulet, L. Impact of a medical interview on the decision to switch from originator infliximab to its biosimilar in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Dig. Liver Dis. 2020, 52, 281–288. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
Table 1. Patients characteristics.
Table 1. Patients characteristics.
CharacteristicsTotal (n = 130)Crohn’s Disease (n = 86)Ulcerative Colitis (n = 44)
Male gender, n (%)64 (49.2)38 (44.2)26 (59.1)
Age median [IQR]45.5 [17.0]44.0 [16.0]40.0 [20.0]
Age at diagnosis, median [IQR]26.0 [18.0]24.5 [14.8]26.0 [22.0]
Disease duration at inclusion, median [IQR]14.0 [11.0]15.0 [9.5]10.5 [11.5]
UC location, n (%)
Proctitis 3 (6.8)
Left sided colitis 18 (40.9)
Pancolitis 23 (52.3)
CD phenotype, n (%)
Inflammatory 62 (72.1)
Stricturing 11 (12.8)
Penetrating 13 (15.1)
CD location, n (%)
Ileal 26 (30.6)
Colonic 17 (20.0)
Ileocolonic 37 (43.5)
Upper gastrointestinal 5 (5.9)
Perianal disease, n (%) 31 (36.0)
Previous surgery for IBD, n (%)37 (28.5)32 (37.2)5 (11)
Current treatment, n (%)
Vedolizumab 36 (27.7)15 (17.4)21 (47.7)
Infliximab94 (72.3)71 (82.6)23 (52.3)
Biosimilar57 (60.6)42 (59.1)15 (65.2)
Remicade®37 (39.4)29 (40.9)8 (34.8)
Treatment dose escalation (%)76 (58.5)53 (61.6)23 (52.3)
Infliximab 59 (77.6)44 (51.2)15 (34.1)
Vedolizumab 17 (22.4)9 (10.5)8 (18.2)
Median vedolizumab trough level (ug/mL), median [IQR]15.0 [17.3]20.0 [19.1]14.3 [11.8]
Median infliximab trough level (ug/mL), median [IQR] 7.0 [6.5]7.1 [7.6]6.5 [5.0]
Concomitant treatment, n (%)
None113 (86.9)79 (91.9)34 (77.3)
5-aminosalicylates 10 (7.7)2 (2.3)8 (18.2)
Azathioprine 3 (2.3)2 (2.3)1 (2.3)
Methotrexate 4 (3.1)3 (3.5)1 (2.3)
Median duration of treatment (year), median [IQR] 7.0 [8.0]8.0 [7.0]4.0 [5.5]
Administration frequency
Every 4 weeks 22 (16.9)14 (16.3)8 (18.2)
Every 6 weeks 20 (15.4)14 (16.3)6 (13.6)
Every 8 weeks 79 (60.8)51 (59.3)28 (63.6)
Every 10 to 12 weeks 9 (6.9)7 (8.1)2 (4.5)
IBD, inflammatory bowel disease; UC, ulcerative colitis; CD, Crohn’s disease; IQR, interquartile range; n, number.
Table 2. Comparison of patient characteristics according to treatment.
Table 2. Comparison of patient characteristics according to treatment.
TotalVedolizumabInfliximab
N= 130N = 36
(27.7%)
N = 94
(72.3%)
p **
Gender, n (%)0.4993
Male64(49.2)16(44.4)48(51.1)
Female66(50.8)20(55.6)46(48.9)
IBD, n (%)0.0003
UC44(33,8)21(58.3)23(24.5)
CD86(66.2)15(41.7)71(75.5)
Previous surgery for IBD, n (%)0.1585
No93(71.5)29(80.6)64(68.1)
Yes37(28.5)7(19.4)30(31.9)
Treatment dose escalation, n (%)0.2223
No61(46.9)20(55.6)41(43.6)
Yes69(53.1)16(44.4)53(56.4)
Concomitant treatment, n (%)0.8553
None113(86.9)33(91.7)80(85.1)
5 ASA10(7.7)2(5.6)8(8.5)
Azathioprine3(2.3)0(0.0)3(3.2)
Methotrexate4(3.1)1(2.8)3(3.2)
Median duration of treatment (year) 5.3 2.6 5.5<0.0001
Administration frequency, n (%)0.0051
Every 12 weeks1(0.8)1(2.8)0(0.0)
Every 10 weeks8(6.2)0(0.0)8(8.5)
Every 8 weeks79(60.8)19(52.8)60(63.8)
Every 6 weeks20(15.4)4(11.1)16(17.0)
Every 4 weeks22(16.9)12(33.3)10(10.6)
** Chi-2 test or Fisher’s exact test for qualitative variables, Wilcoxon test for quantitative variables. CD, Crohn’s disease; IBD, inflammatory bowel disease; UC, Ulcerative Colitis.
Table 3. Reasons for patient’s refusal for switching from IV to SC formulation.
Table 3. Reasons for patient’s refusal for switching from IV to SC formulation.
Reasons for Patient’s Refusal for Switching from IV to SC FormulationTotalIFXVDZ
Fear of loss of efficacy, n (%)10 (34.5)7 (30.4)3 (50.0)
Impact on medical follow-up10 (34.5)9 (39.1)1 (16.7)
Increased frequency of administration3 (10.3)2 (8.7)1 (16.7)
Self-administered injection 4 (13.8)3 (13.0)1 (16.7)
Other2 (6.9)2 (8.7)0 (0.0)
n, number; %, percentage; IV, intravenous; SC, subcutaneous; IFX, infliximab; VDZ, vedolizumab.
Table 4. Comparison of characteristics of patients treated with vedolizumab according to acceptance or refusal for switching.
Table 4. Comparison of characteristics of patients treated with vedolizumab according to acceptance or refusal for switching.
TotalAcceptanceRefusal
N= 36N = 30 (83.3%)N = 6 (16.7%)
p **
Gender, n (%)0.2301
 Male16(44.4)12(40.0)4(66.7)
 Female20(55.6)18(60.0)2(33.3)
IBD, n (%)0.1736
 UC21(58.3)19(63.3)2(33.3)
 CD15(41.7)11(36.7)4(66.7)
Previous surgery for IBD, n (%)0.3464
 No29(80.6)25(83.3)4(66.7)
 Yes7(19.4)5(16.7)2(33.3)
Treatment dose escalation, n (%)0.7642
 No20(55.6)17(56.7)3(50.0)
 Yes16(44.4)13(43.3)3(50.0)
Concomitant treatment, n (%)1.0000
 None33(91.7)27(90.0)6(100.0)
 5 ASA2(5.6)2(6.7)0(0.0)
 Methotrexate1(2.8)1(3.3)0(0.0)
Median duration of treatment (year) 2.6 1.9 3.40.0150
Administration frequency, n (%)0.1418
 Every 12 weeks1(2.8)0(0.0)1(16.7)
 Every 8 weeks19(52.8)17(56.7)2(33.3)
 Every 6 weeks4(11.1)4(13.3)0(0.0)
 Every 4 weeks12(33.3)9(30.0)3(50.0)
** Chi-2 test or Fisher’s exact test for qualitative variables, Wilcoxon test for quantitative variables. CD, Crohn’s disease; IBD, inflammatory bowel disease; UC, ulcerative colitis.
Table 5. Comparison of characteristics of patients treated with infliximab according to acceptance or refusal for switching.
Table 5. Comparison of characteristics of patients treated with infliximab according to acceptance or refusal for switching.
TotalAcceptanceRefusal
N= 94N = 71 (75.5%)N = 23 (24.5%)
p **
Gender, n (%)0.9025
 Male48(51.1)36(50.7)12(52.2)
 Female46(48.9)35(49.3)11(47.8)
IBD, n (%)0.8354
 UC23(24.5)17(23.9)6(26.1)
 CD71(75.5)54(76.1)17(73.9)
Previous surgery for IBD, n (%)0.7342
 No64(68.1)49(69.0)15(65.2)
 Yes30(31.9)22(31.0)8(34.8)
Treatment dose escalation, n (%)0.3410
 No41(43.6)29(40.8)12(52.2)
 Yes53(56.4)42(59.2)11(47.8)
Concomitant treatment, n (%)0.8799
 None80(85.1)61(85.9)19(82.6)
 5 ASA8(8.5)6(8.5)2(8.7)
 Azathioprine3(3.2)2(2.8)1(4.3)
 Methotrexate3(3.2)2(2.8)1(4.3)
Median duration of treatment (year) 5.5 5.4 4.50.0008
Administration frequency, n (%)0.5351
 Every 10 weeks8(8.5)5(7.0)3(13.0)
 Every 8 weeks60(63.8)44(62.0)16(69.6)
 Every 6 weeks16(17.0)14(19.7)2(8.7)
 Every 4 weeks10(10.6)8(11.3)2(8.7)
** Chi-2 test or Fisher’s exact test for qualitative variables, Wilcoxon test for quantitative variables. CD, Crohn’s disease; IBD, inflammatory bowel disease; UC, ulcerative colitis.
Table 6. Factors associated with patient’s acceptance for switching from IV to SC formulation.
Table 6. Factors associated with patient’s acceptance for switching from IV to SC formulation.
Variables SC Switch, n (%) Bivariate
OR (CI 95%)
pMultivariate
OR (CI 95%)
p
Gender
Male48 (75.0) 10.4686
Female53 (80.3)1.4 (0.6–3.1)
IBD type
UC36 (81.8) 10.4206
CD65 (75.6) 0.7 (0.3–1.7)
Current treatment
Vedolizumab 30 (83.3)10.3420
Infliximab 71 (75.5)0.6 (0.2–1.7)
Concomitant treatment
None88 (77.9)10.9683
5 ASA 8 (80.0)1.1 (0.2–5.7)
Azathioprine2 (66.7)0.6 (0.0–6.5)
Methotrexate3 (75.0)0.9 (0.1–8.6)
Treatment dose escalation
No46 (75.4)10.5572
Yes55 (79.7)1.3 (0.6–2.9)
Administration frequency
Every 4 weeks17 (77.3)10.2704
Every 6 weeks18 (90.0)2.6 (0.5–15.5)
Every 8 weeks 61 (77.2)1.0 (0.3–3.1)
Every 10 or 12 weeks 5 (55.6)0.4 (0.1–1.9)
Treatment duration at inclusion (month), median1010.9 (0.8–0.9)0.00020.9 (0.8–0.9)0.0002
5 ASA, 5-aminosalicylates; CI, confidence interval; IBD, inflammatory bowel disease; UC, ulcerative colitis; CD, Crohn’s disease; OR, odd ratio; SC, Subcutaneous; n, number.
Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Share and Cite

MDPI and ACS Style

Remy, C.; Caron, B.; Gouynou, C.; Haghnejad, V.; Jeanbert, E.; Netter, P.; Danese, S.; Peyrin-Biroulet, L. Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients’ Acceptance for Switching from Intravenous Infliximab or Vedolizumab to Subcutaneous Formulation: The Nancy Experience. J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11, 7296. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11247296

AMA Style

Remy C, Caron B, Gouynou C, Haghnejad V, Jeanbert E, Netter P, Danese S, Peyrin-Biroulet L. Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients’ Acceptance for Switching from Intravenous Infliximab or Vedolizumab to Subcutaneous Formulation: The Nancy Experience. Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2022; 11(24):7296. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11247296

Chicago/Turabian Style

Remy, Clotilde, Bénédicte Caron, Celia Gouynou, Vincent Haghnejad, Elodie Jeanbert, Patrick Netter, Silvio Danese, and Laurent Peyrin-Biroulet. 2022. "Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients’ Acceptance for Switching from Intravenous Infliximab or Vedolizumab to Subcutaneous Formulation: The Nancy Experience" Journal of Clinical Medicine 11, no. 24: 7296. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11247296

Note that from the first issue of 2016, this journal uses article numbers instead of page numbers. See further details here.

Article Metrics

Back to TopTop