Vedolizumab for the treatment of ulcerative colitis

Introduction: With a need for a larger armamentarium of therapeutic options for those suffering from moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis, vedolizumab, an 47-integrin biologic therapy, has recently received approval in the United States, Canada and Europe. However, it is unclear where it should be positioned in relation to current therapies for moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis.Areas covered: We systematically reviewed the literature for phase 1, phase 2 and phase 3 randomized controlled trials assessing the role of vedolizumab in ulcerative colitis.Expert opinion: Trials assessing vedolizumab highlight its arrival as an effective and safe therapy for patients suffering from ulcerative colitis.