Tremfya (Guselkumab) Sustains Remission in Ulcerative Colitis Over 3 Years

Johnson & Johnson’s long-term extension data from the QUASAR study demonstrate that Tremfya (guselkumab) maintained clinical and endoscopic remission over three years in adults with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis. At Week 140, 80.8% of patients achieved clinical remission, 53.6% reached endoscopic remission, and 78.6% achieved histo-endoscopic mucosal improvement. Approximately 89% of eligible participants completed treatment through Week 140.

Among patients who were in clinical remission at Week 44, 87.5% sustained that remission through Week 140. The efficacy was consistent irrespective of prior biologic or JAK inhibitor use. Nearly all patients in clinical remission remained corticosteroid-free for at least eight weeks, signifying sustained inflammatory control without continued steroid dependence. No new safety concerns were observed over the extended treatment period.

“Ulcerative colitis is a lifelong condition that can significantly impact patients’ overall health and they need treatment options that remain effective and well-tolerated over time,” the study investigator said. “The QUASAR long-term study shows the sustained ability of Tremfya to deliver durable results, with consistent outcomes regardless of previous biologic or JAK inhibitor treatment.”

“These findings highlight the endoscopic outcomes that can be achieved with Tremfya, raising expectations for what is possible for patients with ulcerative colitis,” said the Vice President, Gastroenterology Disease Area Lead, Immunology at Johnson & Johnson. “Patients who achieve endoscopic remission experience fewer flare-ups and are less likely to require corticosteroids.”

Guselkumab is a monoclonal antibody that inhibits IL-23, a cytokine central to immune-mediated inflammatory signaling. The antibody also binds CD64, a receptor on IL-23–producing immune cells, representing a dual-mechanism approach supported by preclinical data.