Exploration of association differences across multiple sub-phenotypes of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis

Summary

There are approximately 500,000 patients living with ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease in the UK. The severity of disease can range from mild to severe, but many patients have chronic debilitating symptoms which can be recurring and difficult to manage. The researchers of this project will look at clinical data (for example: age at diagnosis; type, and severity of disease; comparing individuals with Crohn’s disease who either have or do not have a fistula etc) and genetic variation in 7 genes across these patient groups. The aim of the study is to not only learn more about how these conditions develop and behave but also to see if these genes can be targeted to develop new drug interventions.

Patient benefit

There is substantial unmet need within Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative colitis. The proposed analyses may assist in confidence around select targets, which may ultimately translate into therapies for patients with most unmet need.