Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, is a lifelong condition that disrupts the gastrointestinal tract and significantly impacts quality of life. While IBD has no cure, ongoing treatments can help manage symptoms like abdominal pain, chronic diarrhoea, rectal bleeding, and weight loss—symptoms that affect not just physical well-being, but also emotional, social, and family life.

Now, a breakthrough in treatment flexibility is available for adults with moderately-to-severely active IBD who have not responded to, or cannot tolerate, traditional therapies. As reported by The Star, Entyvio (vedolizumab), an important biologic medication, is now offered as a self-administered injection, giving patients greater independence over their treatment.

Previously, Entyvio could only be given through intravenous (IV) infusion at a clinic or hospital. With the launch of the new injectable form, patients who have had at least two prior IV infusions can switch to self-injection for ongoing maintenance therapy. This change allows patients to administer their medicine conveniently at home or even while traveling—removing the need for frequent medical visits and reducing the burden on daily life.

Clinical results highlight the benefit of this advancement: after one year on the injectable formulation, 48% of Crohn’s disease patients and 46.2% of those with ulcerative colitis achieved clinical remission, meaning their symptoms were under control. For people living with IBD, this can mean fewer flare-ups, improved daily comfort, and a better overall outlook.

Malaysia, like the rest of Asia, is seeing a steady rise in IBD cases—once considered rare in the region. As more people are diagnosed, access to treatments that fit patients’ lifestyles becomes increasingly important. Senior consultant gastroenterologist Prof Dr Raja Affendi Raja Ali emphasizes the consequences of delayed or inadequate treatment: “Without timely intervention to achieve disease remission, patients may continue to suffer, incur rising healthcare costs, and face serious complications, including increased risk of colorectal cancer.”

A wide range of therapies are available for IBD, but the self-injectable Entyvio Pen stands out for its flexibility and patient-centered approach. “With the Entyvio Pen, patients have the option of administering their maintenance treatment at home or on-the-go,” said Simon Gallagher, general manager of Takeda Malaysia and Singapore. He adds that this development shows Takeda’s commitment to meeting the real needs of IBD patients, supporting long-term disease management and improving quality of life.

For the growing number of IBD patients in Malaysia and across Asia, the availability of a self-injectable biologic like Entyvio offers newfound freedom, hope, and control—making it easier to manage a challenging condition without sacrificing independence or daily routines.