Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of inflammatory conditions of the gastrointestinal tract. The main forms of IBD are Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, chronic diseases which are constituted by acute-disease flare ups and symptom-free phases. IBD patients suffer from abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, diarrhoea, weight loss, fatigue and other extra-intestinal symptoms. Although the causes of IBD are not completely understood, it is assumed that a deregulated immune response results in inflammatory mediators that attack the patient’s intestinal mucosa and trigger the symptoms. 

Crohn’s disease

Crohn’s disease is characterised by an inflammatory affliction of part of or the whole of the digestive tract and is currently incurable. Approximately 0.9 million people in the seven industrial nations suffer the symptoms and mostly contract the disease between the ages of 20 and 40. Crohn’s disease leads to a considerable reduction in quality of life, but may also involve severe complications requiring immediate surgery. Current therapeutic options for patients are largely limited to the use of anti-inflammatory steroids applied either systemically or locally for the treatment of the symptoms, as well as biological (anti-TNF-alpha) agents.

Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis predominantly affects the large intestine, characterised by ulcers and open wounds.  Approximately 1.4 million people in the seven industrial nations are affected.  Similarly to Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis is currently treated with anti-inflammatory steroids and biologicals.  The partial or complete removal of the large intestine through surgery is considered as the cure of the disease