By Dr Pranab Gyawali, Consultant Gastroenterologist
I recently explained Tremfya (guselkumab) as a treatment option to one of my patients with inflammatory bowel disease, and I realised that many people may have similar questions about how it works and what to expect.
So, in this video, I go through the same points I usually explain in clinic — how Tremfya works, how quickly it can help, and what kind of safety profile it has.
This video is for information and education only and should always be discussed with your gastroenterologist, as your individual risks and benefits will be better personalized for you.
Q1. What exactly is Tremfya, and how does it work?
Tremfya — or guselkumab — is a biologic medicine that targets interleukin-23, one of the key immune signals that drives gut inflammation in Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis. By focusing only on IL-23, Tremfya helps reduce inflammation while keeping most of the immune system’s normal function intact. It’s designed to calm inflammation in a precise and controlled way, rather than suppressing the whole immune system.
Q2. What kind of improvement can patients expect?
In clinical studies — including the QUASAR study in ulcerative colitis (The Lancet, 2024) and the GRAVITI study in Crohn’s disease (Gastroenterology, 2025) — about one in four patients achieved remission by week 12, and nearly half were in remission by week 44. Some patients start to feel better within the first one or two weeks — fewer bowel movements, less bleeding, and more energy. It isn’t an instant fix, but it’s a more refined approach for long-term control of inflammation.
Q3. How is Tremfya given?
It can be started either with an IV infusion or a subcutaneous injection, depending on what suits the patient. After the initial phase, it’s usually continued as an injection every eight weeks, which can often be done at home. That flexibility makes it one of the more convenient biologic options.
Q4. What about side effects?
Most side effects are mild — things like a sore throat, mild cough, or redness where the injection was given. Serious infections are rare, but as with any biologic, patients should let their doctor know if they develop a fever or feel unwell. Overall, Tremfya has shown a very good safety profile compared to older types of treatment.
Q5. Is Tremfya available in Dubai?
Yes. Tremfya is now recognized and available in the UAE for treating both Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Here in Dubai, Dr Pranab Gyawali, Consultant Gastroenterologist, is familiar with its use and prescribes it where appropriate for patients who may not have responded to older biologics or who need a more targeted approach. If you’d like to know whether Tremfya might be suitable for you, please fill out the patient enquiry form below, and my team will contact you to schedule a consultation.
Internal Resources
- Learn more about how biologic treatments target gut inflammation precisely in Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis.
- Understand how stress affects Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis through the gut–brain axis — and practical steps to manage it.
- See how Dr Pranab Gyawali approaches ulcerative colitis — combining advanced biologics, diet, and personalized care for patients in Dubai.
- Discover how Dr Pranab Gyawali manages Crohn’s disease — using targeted biologics, microbiome insights, and long-term follow-up tailored to each patient.
- Tremfya (Guselkumab) in Ulcerative Colitis: Does It Keep Patients Well Long Term?
If you wish to discuss this further or would like to make an appointment, please use the booking form on this page. A member of our team will contact you within 12 business hours.