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Looking for CLARITY on biologics and coronavirus Trial assesses antibody levels in people taking infliximab and vedolizumab
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Crohn’s & Colitis UK are supporting the CLARITY trial, which is looking at the impact of COVID-19 on people taking either infliximab or vedolizumab. Both biologic medicines block parts of the immune system, but vedolizumab works specifically on immune cells in the gut, whereas infliximab can affect the immune response throughout the whole body. Researchers are looking at blood samples collected since the start of 2020 from Crohn’s and Colitis patients. The researchers want to see if people on infliximab and vedolizumab produce antibodies to coronavirus and to coronavirus vaccines. Antibodies, along with other parts of the
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“It is strongly recommended that you have both vaccine doses”
immune system, help your body to fight infections. At the time this magazine went to press, results showed that people on infliximab and vedolizumab were just as likely to catch coronavirus as the general population. People taking vedolizumab were more likely to make a good level of antibodies after their first vaccination than people taking infliximab. But after two doses of the vaccine (or a single dose after previously being infected with coronavirus), most people on infliximab also made a good level of antibodies. Crohn’s & Colitis UK research programme lead Nikul Bakshi says: “More evidence is being gathered all the time and further
Could you be a Research Champion? Our volunteers help shape research for important studies We’re currently recruiting for people living with Crohn’s and Colitis to join our team of volunteer Research Champions. The best research happens when researchers put people first, and our Research Champions help us to make sure research reflects the needs and interests of people with Crohn’s and Colitis. The role involves attending meetings and sharing your own views and experiences in order
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Lizzie Smith
to represent the Crohn’s and Colitis community in our important research partnerships. You will be able to tell researchers what matters to people with Crohn’s and Colitis, and make sure that the research works for those living with the conditions. Lizzie Smith is our Research Champion in the Gut Reaction partnership. She says: “I am extremely passionate about
