Subcutaneous Infliximab Shows Promise for Durable, Patient-Centered IBD Care

At Digestive Disease Week (DDW) 2026, Celltrion spotlighted emerging data supporting the use of subcutaneous infliximab as a more patient-centered treatment option for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), according to Dr. Juby Jacob-Nara, MD, Senior VP, Chief Medical Officer.

Speaking with BioPharm International, Jacob-Nara emphasized the practical and emotional advantages of self-administered therapy compared with traditional intravenous (IV) infusions administered in clinical settings. She described the therapy as offering patients greater autonomy, flexibility, and consistency while reducing the burden associated with infusion center visits.

“It technically, it is a game changer for patients with IBD,” Jacob-Nara said.

How Could Subcutaneous Infliximab Change IBD Treatment?

According to Jacob-Nara, the self-injectable formulation allows patients to avoid lengthy infusion appointments and the stress that can accompany visits to infusion centers, where patients are often treated alongside individuals with severe illnesses. The subcutaneous option also supports more consistent dosing schedules, which may improve treatment adherence and help maintain sustained remission.

Beyond patient convenience, Jacob-Nara noted that the approach could reduce administrative and staffing demands on healthcare systems by limiting the need for infusion-based care.

Clinical findings presented at DDW also highlighted the potential for subcutaneous infliximab to recapture response in patients who previously lost response to IV infliximab. Additional data explored whether some patients may be able to transition to monotherapy, potentially reducing dependence on immunomodulators while maintaining efficacy.

Jacob-Nara also pointed to patient-centered outcomes involving family planning, noting that case studies presented at DDW included patients seeking pregnancy who successfully maintained disease control with subcutaneous infliximab.

Looking ahead, she said continued research will focus on advancing the science further through additional clinical studies and potential combination products.

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About the speaker

Juby Jacob-Nara, MD, Senior VP, Chief Medical Officer, Celltrion USA

As a dedicated public health physician, Dr. Jacob-Nara brings more than 25 years of experience across sales, marketing, U.S. and global medical affairs, and clinical development across general, specialty, and precision medicines - including biologics, vaccines, and over-the-counter products. Driven by a strong commitment to patient value, she has contributed to the development and expanded access of specialty pharmaceuticals, vaccines, biologics, and direct-to-consumer medicines, with a focus on respiratory, autoimmune, infectious diseases, pain management, and women’s health. She has successfully contributed to more than 50 product launches, including vaccines in the U.S. and globally.