By Dr Pranab Gyawali, Consultant Gastroenterologist
Introduction
In this short video, I discuss a real and common situation in IBD care. In the same week, I saw one patient doing extremely well on vedolizumab, and another who did not respond to vedolizumab but is now doing very well after switching to a different advanced therapy.
This contrast highlights why trial-and-error treatment in IBD can be frustrating for patients and clinicians, and why there is growing interest in predicting treatment response earlier rather than waiting months to assess whether a biologic is working.
What is this VLOG about
This VLOG explains research suggesting that early biological changes during vedolizumab induction may help predict longer-term treatment success in IBD.
Why does early prediction matter in IBD
Many advanced therapies take months before their full effect becomes clear. Earlier biological signals may allow better decisions and reduce prolonged exposure to ineffective therapy.
How vedolizumab works
Vedolizumab is an integrin-targeting biologic that works mainly in the gut, reducing inflammatory immune cell trafficking into the bowel.
Why integrins matter in some IBD patients
IBD is not driven by a single mechanism. In some patients, integrin-related biology plays a more prominent role, making integrin-targeting treatments more biologically relevant.
What recent research shows
Early biological improvement at around six weeks after starting vedolizumab was associated with a higher chance of sustained remission at one year.
Is this routine testing
This testing is not yet routine, but reflects where modern IBD care is heading: earlier signals, better decisions, less trial-and-error.
Recommended IBD VLOGs & Guides
Related Resources
IBD Essentials
- Microbiome-Based IBD Diagnosis – New Testing Approach for Crohn’s & UC
- Protect Your Gut: 3 Foods to Avoid in Crohn’s & Colitis
- Crohn’s & Colitis in Dubai: Why You Shouldn’t Stay on Steroids
Treatments & Biologics
- Learn about Biologicals used in UC and Crohn’s in Dubai
- Rinvoq – How It Works for Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis
- Tremfya (Guselkumab) Explained
- BPC-157 for Crohn’s & UC — A Dubai Gastroenterologist’s Honest Opinion
Gut Barrier & Microbiome
- Leaky Gut in Crohn’s & UC: What It Really Means
- SIBO in Crohn’s & UC — The Overlooked Gut Issue
- IBD Breakthrough: How Gut Bacteria Unlock Natural Anti-Inflammatories
IBD-Related Deficiencies
Investigations & Procedures
- Hydrogen & Methane Breath Test (SIBO)
- Capsule Endoscopy
- Gastroscopy
- Colonoscopy
- CT Abdomen / CT Enterography
- MRI Abdomen / MR Enterography
If you wish to discuss this further or would like to make an appointment, please use the booking form on this page. Expect a response within 12 business hours.