Controlled-release budesonide in Crohn's disease.

Budesonide is a glucocorticoid with high local activity but much lower systemic availability than prednisolone. Topical formulations have long been licensed for use in asthma and rhinitis. Here we discuss a new orally active controlled-release preparation of budesonide (Entocort CR-Astra) formulated specifically for treating patients with Crohn's disease affecting the ileum and/or ascending colon. The manufacturer claims that the preparation "targets the ileum and ileocaecal area, achieving rapid results equivalent to prednisolone" with a "low level of systemic steroid side effects".