Boosting Biologics in UC

The use of anti TNF agents has improved the medical treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC). However, one third of patients receiving such treatment will not reach remission. Studies have demonstrated that the gut microbiome influences the cytokine response and in particular the TNF production. In this study we aim to manipulate the gut microbiome in patients with ulcerative colitis not responding to anti-TNF therapy to evaluate potential beneficial effects. 20 UC patients with insufficient response to anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) therapy upon routine evaluation colonoscopy 6-12 months after start of treatment will receive intervention with the probiotic formula IDOFORM Travel®, 4 capsules daily for 8 weeks. A colonoscopy will be performed at baseline (week 0) and after intervention (week8). Gut biopsies, fecal samples and serological markers will, in addition to clinical examination and endoscopic results, be used to evaluate the safety and possible beneficial effects of the intervention. In a subsidiary cross-sectional study, 20 UC patients on anti-TNF therapy in remission upon evaluation colonoscopy will serve as controls. 20 individuals with no history of inflammatory bowel disease will be recruited as healthy controls.