Taking part in the CLARITY research trial has been so worthwhile

The researchers want to see if people taking these medications produce the same immune response to coronavirus and to the coronavirus vaccine. They chose these two medicines because vedolizumab works specifically on immune cells in the gut, whereas infliximab can affect the immune response throughout the whole body.

Results from the study so far are discussed in detail on our CLARITY Trial page. They are an important step in helping us understand how different medicines for Crohn’s and Colitis affect a person’s response to coronavirus and to coronavirus vaccines.

We talked to Tom Hough, our Volunteering and Local Networks Officer, who is one of almost 7,000 patients taking part in the trial. “I’m on infliximab and I was approached about getting involved by my IBD nurse in December,” he says. “We were in the second peak of the pandemic and it was before the vaccine was around. As someone in the shielding category, I felt I couldn’t really do much towards the COVID-19 effort, such as going out and volunteering, so this was a way to contribute to the wider effort. And it also had the personal benefit of finding out if I’d previously had COVID-19.”

“Taking part is simple,” Tom adds. “I go for my infusion every two months and, as usual, they take blood to see how I’m doing. Part of the sample goes to the study to check for antibodies. You also fill in surveys about your symptoms, whether you think there’s a chance you’ve had COVID-19, and how much social interaction you’ve had in the previous weeks.” 

Participants are sent a secure link through which they can access their individual results and Tom’s showed that, as he suspected, he hadn’t already been infected with COVID-19. He was also pleased to find he had a positive antibody response to both doses of the vaccine, which he received in the spring. “The study finding that being on either of these treatments doesn’t increase your chances of getting COVID-19 was very reassuring, as well as learning about my personal response to the vaccine,” he says.

The study is continuing to monitor patients to see how long the antibodies last in people taking infliximab or vedolizumab. The results will help Crohn’s & Colitis UK and medical professionals campaign on behalf of those taking immunosuppressant drugs and lobby for their prioritisation for booster vaccines.

The CLARITY trial is no longer recruiting participants but you can find out about lots more research involvement opportunities on our website. “Getting involved in research has been so worthwhile for me personally,” says Tom. “Also, by taking part we as patients can help add to the wider scientific knowledge that hopefully will improve things for everyone with Crohn’s or Colitis.”