[Intestinal fibrosis in Crohn's disease : towards new therapeutic options?]

Abstract

Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that can lead to fibrostenotic complications. These strictures result from an imbalance between inflammation and excessive healing, leading to an abnormal accumulation of extracellular matrix and a progressive thickening of the intestinal wall. To date, no specific treatment is available to prevent or reverse intestinal fibrosis. The management of strictures primarily focuses on controlling inflammation and addressing obstructive complications through endoscopic balloon dilation, stricturoplasty, or intestinal resection. Current medical therapies, such as anti-TNF agents, can help reduce inflammation but have no direct impact on fibrosis. New therapeutic strategies are emerging, including TL1A inhibitors (duvakitug, tulisokibart), an ALK5 inhibitor (AGMB-129), and targeted AGR2 therapies (TH-009). Additionally, mesenchymal stem cells are being investigated in our hospital center in combination with endoscopic balloon dilation, aiming to assess their therapeutic potential. The development of effective anti-fibrotic therapies remains a critical medical need to improve the management of intestinal strictures and reduce the need for invasive procedures in Crohn's disease.