Efficacy and Safety of Two Treatment Algorithms in Adults With Moderate to Severe Crohn's Disease

The primary objective of this study was to demonstrate that tight control of disease activity, using stringent criteria based on Crohn's disease activity Index (CDAI), biomarkers (high sensitivity C-reactive protein \[hs-CRP\] and fecal calprotectin), and corticosteroid use, improves the rate of mucosal healing 48 weeks after randomization compared with management using less stringent criteria based only on CDAI and corticosteroid use.

The study included a 1- to 3-week screening period, up to 8 weeks of prednisone run-in treatment, a 48-week post-randomization treatment period, and a 70 day follow-up phone call or clinic visit, for a total duration of up to 69 weeks.

Participants who met entry criteria were enrolled and initiated an oral prednisone regimen at Baseline (Week 0). At the first key visit, participants were randomized into 1 of 2 groups (Tight Control group or Clinically Driven group), with stratification according to screening smoking status, weight, and disease duration.

The first key visit was the randomization visit; subsequent key visits occurred every 12 weeks following the first key visit. Randomization normally took place 9 weeks after Baseline. However, participants who fulfilled the early randomization criteria may have been randomized as early as the Baseline (Week 0) visit. Therapeutic option changes, if appropriate, occurred at key visits based on results from previous success criteria visits.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosis of ileal, colonic (including rectal), or ileocolonic Crohn's disease (CD) confirmed using imaging technology or endoscopy not more than 6 years prior to Baseline.
* CDAI score of greater than or equal to 220 and less than or equal to 450 at the Baseline visit in participants not receiving prednisone or equivalent at Baseline. CDAI score of greater than or equal to 200 and less than or equal to 450 at the Baseline visit if the participant is receiving prednisone less than or equal to 20 mg or equivalent for at least 7 days before Baseline. CDAI score of greater than 150 and less than or equal to 450 at the Baseline visit if the participant is receiving prednisone higher than 20 mg or equivalent for greater than or equal to 7 days before Baseline
* Participant or his/her legal representative have voluntarily signed and dated an informed consent approved by and compliant with the requirements of this study protocol which has been approved by an Institutional Review Board (IRB)/Independent Ethics Committee (IEC).
* Adequate cardiac, renal and hepatic function as determined by the Principal Investigator and demonstrated by Screening laboratory evaluations, questionnaires and physical examination results that do not indicate an abnormal clinical condition which would place the participant at undue risk and thus preclude participation in the study.
* Participant must be able to self-inject and orally administer study medication or have a designee or Healthcare Professional who can assist

Exclusion Criteria:

* Previous or current biologic use for Crohn's disease or participation in a biologic study
* Previous or current use of immunomodulators (e.g., methotrexate, azathioprine, 6-mercaptopurine, JAK inhibitor, alpha-integrin) for Crohn's disease or participation in a Crohn's disease study with immunomodulator(s). Current use of immunomodulators for non-Crohn's disease at Baseline.
* Greater than two previous courses of corticosteroid (systemic corticosteroid) or budesonide) for Crohn's Disease. A course is defined as 1) total duration for burst and taper ≥ 4 weeks and 2) prednisone or equivalent ≥ 40 mg (or budesonide ≥ 9 mg) for at least 2 weeks.
* Participants with a poorly controlled medical condition such as: uncontrolled diabetes with documented history of recurrent infections, unstable ischemic heart disease, moderate to severe congestive heart failure (New York Heart Association \[NYHA\] class III or IV), recent cerebrovascular accident and any other condition which, in the opinion of the Investigator or the sponsor, would put the participant at risk by participation in the protocol
* Participants with positive C. difficile stool assay at Screening.