The transition from intravenous to subcutaneous infliximab in a cohort of patients with inflammatory bowel disease: results of the INESTIMABLE retrospective observational study.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to present real-world data regarding the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) with the subcutaneous (SC) formulation of the tumor necrosis factor inhibitor, infliximab.

METHODS

Adult IBD patients who switched from intravenous (IV) infliximab to SC infliximab were recruited for this study. Data on the efficacy of maintaining long-term remission, persistence in therapy and the safety profile were obtained from medical records and physician assessments conducted during routine clinical practice. Data on adherence to treatment schedules and patient satisfaction were collected through an ad hoc questionnaire. The duration of the follow-up was 12 months.

RESULTS

The treatment with SC infliximab was generally well-tolerated, with a persistence rate of 86.7 ​% at 12 months and adherence to the treatment schedule of 86.4 ​%. Patients reported a favorable experience with self-injections. Mild, self-limiting adverse events were observed, and inflammatory biomarkers decreased over time, suggesting maintenance of remission in most patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings suggest that SC infliximab may be a viable option for IBD patients in remission who are eligible for switching, offering a self-administered alternative to IV therapy.