Researchers at New York City-based Mount Sinai Health System have identified distinct biological markers in patients with mild Crohn’s disease, potentially paving the way for more personalized and less aggressive treatment, according to a July 21 press release.
Published July 21 in Gastroenterology, the study is the first to use multi-omics data to analyze mild Crohn’s, a form of the disease affecting about one in four patients which researchers found to be “biologically distinct” from more aggressive versions. Researchers found reduced immune response and altered sphingolipid metabolism in these patients, suggesting a lower risk of disease progression.
The findings could help identify which patients may safely delay or avoid biologic therapies. Researchers plan to validate the biomarkers in larger groups and develop clinical tools to guide early treatment decisions.
The study was funded by the National Institutes of Health and Janssen Pharmaceuticals.
