Stockholm – Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) announced compelling long-term data from the QUASAR long-term extension (LTE) study today, demonstrating sustained clinical, endoscopic, and histologic outcomes through Week 140 in adults battling moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis (UC). The findings, presented at the European Crohn’s and Colitis Organisation (ECCO) 2026 conference, reveal that over 80% of patients treated with TREMFYA® (guselkumab) achieved clinical remission.
The QUASAR LTE study, tracking patients for an extended period, showed that 80.8% of individuals receiving TREMFYA® were in clinical remission at Week 140. 78.6% achieved histo-endoscopic mucosal improvement (HEMI), indicating healing at both the tissue and visual levels, and 53.6% experienced endoscopic remission. Approximately 89% of eligible participants remained in the study through Week 140, suggesting strong patient adherence and tolerability.
“Ulcerative colitis is a lifelong condition that can significantly impact patients’ overall health and they need treatment options that remain effective and well-tolerated over time,” said Dr. Laurent Peyrin-Biroulet, a study investigator. “The QUASAR long-term study shows the sustained ability of TREMFYA to deliver durable results, with consistent outcomes regardless of previous biologic or JAK inhibitor treatment. With high study retention and no new safety concerns over this extended time period, the data strengthen confidence in the long-term employ of TREMFYA in ulcerative colitis.”
Notably, the study indicated that 87.5% of patients who were in clinical remission at Week 44 maintained that remission through Week 140. This sustained response was observed regardless of whether patients had previously been treated with biologic therapies or JAK inhibitors, broadening the potential applicability of TREMFYA®.
TREMFYA® is the first and only approved, dual-acting monoclonal antibody that blocks IL-23 although also binding to CD64, a receptor on cells that produce IL-23. Johnson & Johnson highlighted that the findings underscore the potential for achieving significant endoscopic improvements in UC patients, potentially reducing the need for steroids and surgery over time.
“These findings highlight the endoscopic outcomes that can be achieved with TREMFYA, raising expectations for what is possible for patients with ulcerative colitis,” said Dr. Esi Lamousé-Smith, Vice President, Gastroenterology Disease Area Lead, Immunology, Johnson & Johnson. “Patients who achieve endoscopic remission experience fewer flare-ups and are less likely to need steroids or require surgery over time. We are energized by these findings and remain focused on delivering treatments that help more patients achieve meaningful, lasting disease control.”
In addition to the TREMFYA® data, Johnson & Johnson announced that results from the Phase 2b ANTHEM-UC study of icotrokinra, a novel oral peptide targeting the interleukin-23 receptor, and primary safety results from the UNITI Jr study of STELARA® (ustekinumab) in pediatric Crohn’s disease were selected as Top 10 oral abstracts by ECCO. These findings will also be presented at the conference.
