Published online Oct 28, 2015. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v21.i40.11282
Peer-review started: June 2, 2015
First decision: June 23, 2015
Revised: July 12, 2015
Accepted: September 2, 2015
Article in press: September 2, 2015
Published online: October 28, 2015
Processing time: 144 Days and 12.6 Hours
In recent years, the incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has been on the rise, extending to countries where it was infrequent in the past. As a result, the gap between high and low incidence countries is decreasing. The disease, therefore, has an important economic impact on the healthcare system. Advances in recent years in pharmacogenetics and clinical pharmacology have allowed for the development of treatment strategies adjusted to the patient profile. Concurrently, new drugs aimed at inflammatory targets have been developed that may expand future treatment options. This review examines advances in the optimization of existing drug treatments and the development of novel treatment options for IBD.
Core tip: The incidence and prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has been increasing worldwide. In recent years, the treatment objectives, the monitoring of IBD, and the drug treatments for controlling the disorder have been evolving. This review summarizes recent developments in pharmacogenetics, clinical pharmacology, and the use of new drug molecules that may expand IBD treatment options in the future.