New research has suggested that a common drug may be linked to coronavirus reinfection.
The commonly prescribed inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) medication may be linked to reduced coronavirus antibody response, the new study by Clarity suggests.
The findings arose the study which recruited 6,935 patients with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis from 92 UK hospitals between September and December 2020.
It found that fewer than half of people with IBD who were treated with the drug had detectable antibodies after SARS-CoV-2 infection, the coronavirus that causes Covid-19.
The authors warned that an impaired immune response may also boost susceptibility to recurrent Covid-19 and 'help drive the evolution of new variants'.
However, they are encouraging people to continue to take their medication as overall Covid-19 risk remains very low.
The researchers say careful monitoring of patients with IBD treated with infliximab, who have been vaccinated against the virus, will be needed to ensure they mount a strong enough antibody response to ward off the infection.
Clarity study lead Professor Tariq Ahmad, of the University of Exeter Medical School, said: “The poor antibody responses observed in patients treated with infliximab raise the possibility that some patients may not develop protective immunity after Covid-19 infection, and might be at increased risk of reinfection
“What we don’t yet know is how use of anti-TNF drugs will impact antibody responses to vaccination.”
Around two million people worldwide are prescribed anti-tumour necrosis factor (anti-TNF) drugs, which include infliximab.
Around 500,000 people across the UK live with IBD, of which ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease are the two main forms.
Sarah Sleet, chief executive officer at Crohn’s and Colitis UK, said: “At this stage, the key message is people with Crohn’s and colitis should keep taking their medication to stay well and take the vaccine when offered.
“But we also need research like this to continue. A huge number of people with Crohn’s and colitis have had to contend with the stresses of shielding and social distancing, and it’s vital this group is prioritised in research.”
