摘要 |
The present invention is directed to methods and compositions useful for predicting the efficacy of a TNFa inhibitor for treating an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The invention includes, in one embodiment, determining the level of expression of TNFa by delivering a labeled anti-TNFa antibody on to the cells of the intestinal mucosa of a subject having IBD, whereby the TNFa level of expression can be used to predict whether the subject will be responsive or not to the antibody therapy. Levels of TNFa may be determined in vivo or ex vivo. The invention further provides methods of locally administering a TNFa antibody, e.g., topically to the intestinal mucosa, for the treatment of IBD. |