CADTH’s health technology assessment examined the impact of the anti-tumour necrosis factor alpha (anti-TNF-α) agents adalimumab, etanercept, and infliximab compared with conventional therapy and surgery for patients with Crohn disease or ulcerative colitis who do not adequately respond to conventional therapy.

The assessment examines comparative clinical- and cost-effectiveness, the effect of dosage and timing, the role of maintenance therapy, and health care resource use.

The assessment is timely as there is growing use of anti-TNF-α agents and considerable uncertainty regarding their clinical role and appropriate reimbursement policies in the publicly funded health care system.