Could older UC patients ditch risky meds for a simpler option?

NCT ID NCT07248644

Not yet recruiting Disease control Sponsor: Grupo Espanol de Trabajo en Enfermedad de Crohn y Colitis Ulcerosa Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study looks at whether older adults (60+) with ulcerative colitis who are in long-term remission can safely stop taking thiopurines (azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine) and rely only on high-dose mesalazine. Thiopurines carry increased risks of infection and cancer with age, so switching may be safer. The trial will follow 304 participants for 24 months to compare relapse rates between those who stop thiopurines and those who continue.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: mesalazine (high-dose oral, ≥3 g/day) and thiopurines (azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine)
What this could lead to: If successful, this could show that older patients with ulcerative colitis can safely switch to a simpler, lower-risk medication regimen without losing remission.
What could go wrong: This is a Phase 4 trial, so the drugs are already approved, but it is still possible that stopping thiopurines leads to more relapses. The study is also open-label, which may introduce bias.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

ulcerative colitis

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

ULCERATIVE COLITIS (UC)

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