The pathways of Crohn's

Therapy for Crohn's disease is based on regimens of aminosalicylates, steroids, antibiotics, and periodic infusions of Remicade, an anti-TNF-alpha antibody marketed by Johnson & Johnson. But given the multitude of side effects and number of patients who do not respond to those treatments, more specific approaches are needed. While TNF-alpha remains a target, the most innovative research has moved into the manipulation of more specific physiological pathways.

Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disease characterized by granulomatous inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract and causes diarrhea, abdominal pain, weight loss, and abscess and fistula formation. The etiology of CD is multifactorial and may involve inappropriate reactions to certain bacteria in the GI tract. ...