A new medicine called duvakitug has shown encouraging results in an early clinical trial for people with Crohn’s disease, according to findings published in The Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology. The study, known as RELIEVE UCCD, tested whether the drug could help control inflammation and symptoms in people living with the condition. Whilst the results are preliminary, they add to the growing range of treatment options being explored for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
What the study looked at
Duvakitug is a type of medicine that works by targeting specific immune signals in the body that contribute to inflammation in Crohn’s disease. The trial tested different doses of the drug to see how well people tolerated it and whether it helped reduce disease activity.
The researchers enrolled adults with active Crohn’s disease who had not responded well enough to existing treatments or who could not continue with them. Participants received either duvakitug at a dose of 450 milligrams or 900 milligrams during the study period.
One person in the 900 milligram group did not receive the study medicine, meaning 46 people were included in the final analysis. The trial measured how well the medicine worked by looking at changes in symptoms and signs of inflammation over several weeks.
What the researchers found
The study authors reported that duvakitug appeared to be generally well tolerated by participants. The trial also showed some evidence that the medicine may help reduce disease activity, though the researchers noted that further studies with larger groups of people will be needed to confirm these findings.
Because this was an early trial designed mainly to test safety and appropriate dosing, the results do not yet prove that duvakitug is effective for Crohn’s disease. Larger trials comparing the medicine directly to existing treatments or placebo will be necessary before it could be considered for wider use.
Why this matters
Crohn’s disease is a long-term condition that causes inflammation in the digestive system. It can lead to pain, diarrhoea, fatigue, and other symptoms that affect daily life. Whilst there are several treatments available, they do not work for everyone, and some people experience side effects or lose response over time.
Research into new medicines that work in different ways is important because it may offer additional options for people who have not found relief with current treatments. Duvakitug targets a different part of the immune response compared to some existing therapies, which means it could potentially help people who have not responded to other medicines.
What to keep in mind
This study was an early phase trial with a small number of participants. The findings are promising, but more research is needed to understand how well duvakitug works compared to existing treatments and whether it remains safe and effective over longer periods.
The trial did not include a placebo group, which means it is not yet clear how much of the improvement seen was due to the medicine itself. Future studies will need to address this and involve more people with Crohn’s disease to give a clearer picture of the medicine’s benefits and risks.
Anyone living with Crohn’s disease should continue with their current treatment plan and discuss any questions about new or emerging therapies with their gastroenterology team.
Reference
Efficacy and safety of duvakitug in patients with Crohn’s disease (RELIEVE UCCD). Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2026. https://www.thelancet.com/journals/langas/article/PIIS2468-1253(26)00119-6/fulltext
This article is a journalistic summary for informational purposes only. It does not constitute clinical advice or a recommendation to alter treatment decisions.