Why Clinical Trials Are Essential for Crohn's and Colitis Treatment Advancement
The problem with medication guidelines
Unfortunately, according to a study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology, over 40% of IBD patients do not adhere to their medication guidelines (Lakatos). The same study mentions that the current treatment standard is “a complex process.” It’s no wonder that it’s difficult for many people to keep up with their treatment when it involves multiple medications, dietary modifications, and in extreme cases, potentially surgery.
Given the large population that suffers from IBD (up to 1.3 million people in the United States alone, according to the Centers for Disease Control), and the current complexity of the standard treatment, it’s pertinent that additional medications and treatments continue to be approved by the FDA. However, the problem is finding participants for these clinical trials.
