Crohn’s Disease

Crohn’s disease (CD) is a chronic, lifelong condition that causes inflammation of the lining of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). It is one of the two major disorders under the umbrella term IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease). CD has become a global disease with an accelerating incidence (0.4-23 per 100,000 person/year). Crohn’s disease is often painful and debilitating, and has a strong impact on the quality of life of people affected, their families and caregivers.

What are the symptoms?

What is CD?

Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal tract.

There are different types of Crohn’s Disease, and inflammation can occur in different parts of the gastrointestinal tract. However the end of the small bowel (the ileum) and the beginning of the colon (proximal colon) are most commonly affected.

The disease often comes with an early onset and a fluctuating disease course, leading to irregular and sudden flare-ups, causing various symptoms.

The causes of IBD remain unknown, but research suggest that it is widely impacted by genetic, inflammatory and environmental factors, as well as gut microbiota. 

Why the need for new therapies?

Despite advances in new immune modulators and biological treatment, up to 30% of patients become non-responders, highlighting the pressing need for novel, advanced therapies. Intestinal fibrosis is a major challenge in CD, especially in patients with ileal disease, with the limited efficacy of current drugs. While in spite of all the advances in diagnosis, there has been no significant decrease in mortality in patients with CD over the last several decades. New therapies are urgently required as an alternative to surgical interventions, and to avoid the associated complications of ileal resection.