Zeposia (ozanimod), developed by Bristol Myers Squibb, is an orally administered sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) receptor that is currently approved for two separate indications: relapsing multiple sclerosis and ulcerative colitis. According to Drugs.com, the drug is believed to work:

By preventing immune cells (lymphocytes) from entering the intestines and central nervous system (CNS)…by trapping the immune cells in the lymph nodes, which may stop them from causing harmful inflammation in the CNS (in the case of multiple sclerosis) and the colon (in the case of ulcerative colitis). By reducing inflammation that would have been caused by the lymphocytes, the symptoms of these conditions may improve.

Given its efficacy in these two diseases, researchers questioned whether Zeposia could be a therapeutic option for people living with Crohn’s disease, a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Crohn’s disease can cause symptoms such as fatigue, abdominal pain, appetite and weight loss, bloody stool, anal pain and drainage, and cramping.

Although researchers felt that Zeposia could be promising for Crohn’s disease, Kevin Dunleavy reports that the therapy did not perform well in the clinical trial.

A Crohn’s Disease Clinical Trial

600 participants enrolled in the 12-week induction clinical trial for Zeposia. Prior to enrollment, these individuals had not had success with prior treatment options. Participants received Zeposia over the twelve weeks. However, an initial data analysis found that Zeposia failed to meet the trial’s clinical endpoint, which was clinical remission by the end of that time period. Since the trial has come up short, Bristol Myers Squibb has not yet shared what it plans for the future of Zeposia in Crohn’s disease – or if any future trials will occur.

Identifying novel treatments to bring comfort and relief to people with Crohn’s disease is important. Even though this trial was not successful, researchers can and should continue studying potential therapeutic options for this community.