We are supporting the UK based company AlphaBiomics with their test to personalise treatment for Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) affects around 1 in 100 people across the UK. Since no cure exists, patients go through periods of remission and flare-ups. Biologic medications can be used to target specific parts of the immune system and treat the flare-ups. They cost the NHS around £10,000 per year for each patient. Around 40% of patients with IBD who are treated with biologics do not respond or lose response quickly. While clinicians continue switching drugs, aiming to find effective long-term therapy, patients continue to suffer, and valuable healthcare resources are wasted.

Action

AlphaBiomics, a UK based company, has developed a test that uses computer-based algorithms for predicting how different patients respond to different biologics for their IBD.

We helped the company obtain a NIHR Invention for Innovation (i4i) Product Development Award. We also examined expert opinion to shape the company’s future product development and evidence generation strategy.

Progress

We interviewed nurses and consultants who specialise in IBD from throughout the UK. They highlighted the challenges associated with managing this condition and confirmed that there is a need for AlphaBiomic’s test.

We also discussed:

1. Requirements for CE marking with the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency.
2. Development of biological standards with the National Institute for Biological Standards and Control.
3. Getting the test used in clinical practice with the Academic Health Science Network for the North East and North Cumbria.
4. Purchasing procedures with Central Commissioning Groups.

We will be collaborating with the company to evaluate the technical performance of their test.

Impact

• Accelerating the use of the test in clinical practice. We have helped the company establish what further evidence is required to support the widespread use of the test.
• Improving the quality of life of the patients. The test has the potential to help clinicians provide the most effective and safe treatments.
• Providing cost savings for the NHS. The test could support decision-making and avoid prescription of inefficient therapies.