By Dr Pranab Gyawali, Consultant Gastroenterologist (UK-trained) in Dubai
Back in clinic in Dubai, continuing to look after patients with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, one of the most common questions I’m asked particularly from patients already on biologics is:
“How do we know if this treatment is the right one for me?”
This is where a new biologic called tulisokibart becomes particularly interesting.
Watch the Video
What is tulisokibart?
Tulisokibart is a new biologic being studied for both Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
It targets a different inflammatory pathway called TL1A, separate from current biologics such as anti-TNF, IL-23, or JAK inhibitors.
How is this different from current biologics?
At present, biologics are selected based on disease pattern, previous response, and clinical judgement.
However, we usually only know if a biologic works after several months.
Can we predict response before starting treatment?
This is the most important development.
In clinical studies, patients were assessed based on activity within the TL1A pathway.
Patients with higher pathway activity were more likely to respond, while those with lower signal were less likely to benefit.
Blood test → pathway signal → treatment decision
This represents a shift toward choosing the right biologic first, rather than trial and error.
Is this blood test available now?
No. This type of predictive testing is still being studied within clinical trials.
What stage is tulisokibart at?
- Phase 2 completed
- Published in major journals (including NEJM)
- Phase 3 trials ongoing
Results expected around 2026–2027.
When will it be available?
Tulisokibart is not yet available. If trials are successful, it may become available in the next few years.
What biologics are currently available in Dubai?
Learn about Biologicals used in UC and Crohn’s in Dubai
Recommended Guides for Biologics, Crohn’s and Colitis
1. Understanding IBD
- Crohn’s Disease – Symptoms, Tests & Treatment in Dubai
- Ulcerative Colitis – Symptoms, Tests & Treatment in Dubai
- How Biologics Work in Crohn’s & Colitis
- Crohn’s & Colitis: Why You Shouldn’t Stay on Steroids
- Is Your Gut Really Healed? Understanding Deep Remission
- Ulcerative Colitis Progression in Dubai
- Rectal Bleeding
- SIBO in Crohn’s & Ulcerative Colitis
2. Choosing the Right Advanced Treatment
- Next generation stool test in IBD: Granzyme A explained
- CAR-T Therapy in Crohn’s Disease – What Patients Need to Know
- Predicting Biologic Treatment Success in Crohn’s & Ulcerative Colitis
- Stelara vs Skyrizi Crohn’s Study Explained
- Tremfya (Guselkumab) Explained
- Tremfya (Guselkumab) in Ulcerative Colitis: Does It Keep Patients Well Long Term?
- Rinvoq – How It Works for Crohn’s & UC
- Predicting Vedolizumab Response Early in IBD
- Vedolizumab in Crohn’s Disease: Why Timing May Change Results
- Icotrokinra: Oral IL-23 Therapy for Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis?
- Crohn’s Surgery vs Infliximab in Dubai
- Biologicals & Pregnancy
- 5-ASA – Why It Still Matters
3. Diet, Microbiome and Treatment Response
- Should you avoid dairy in Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis?
- Diet, inflammation monitoring and IBD flare risk
- How the Oxygen Trap May Be Driving Your IBD — And Why Diet Still Matters
- Diet, Microbiome & IBD
- What Leaky Gut Really Means in IBD
- Top Leaky Gut Supplements
- Stress & the Gut–Brain Axis in IBD
- Aloe Vera for Crohn’s & UC
- Black Cumin Seed Oil for IBD
- Vitamin D & Gut Health
- Supplements & Gut Health
- Gluten & IBD — Any Connection?
- Curcumin & Qing Dai in Ulcerative Colitis
4. Tests, Monitoring and Safety
- Flu Vaccines for IBD Patients on Biologics
- Iron Deficiency & Anaemia in IBD
- B12 & Folate Deficiency in IBD
- Colonoscopy
- Capsule Endoscopy
- Diagnostic Tests for Gastrointestinal Disorders
- Hydrogen & Methane Breath Test
- Gut Microbiome Test
- MRI Abdomen / MR Enterography
- CT Abdomen / CT Enterography
If you wish to discuss this further or would like to make an appointment, please use the booking form on this page.