Since the last update at the end of May, more participants have been enrolled in the OMICROHN study. And full study approval in Italy has been received.
Patients have been enrolled in:
We joined METHYLOMIC because it tackles one of the biggest challenges we face: uncertainty. People with Crohn’s disease spend too much time guessing which biologic treatment will work for them and enduring invasive colonoscopies in the process. A quick methylation-based test that identifies potential responders and warns of impending flare-ups would allow them to plan their lives instead of just reacting to setbacks. If science delivers, those results will be invaluable to us and every family living with Crohn’s.
From EFCCA’s perspective, the biggest hurdle is turning lab data into something practical that doctors can use in their daily practice. We need to recruit enough volunteers to ensure robust results while also convincing each healthcare system that investing in this kind of test will save money and suffering in the long run. This means having clear communication, well-defined privacy rules, and persistent advocacy in over twenty languages. Without real-world adoption and guaranteed reimbursement, personalized medicine risks remaining just a great idea.
We imagine a doctor’s visit where a nurse takes a blood sample, places it in a handheld device, and within half an hour, you and your gastroenterologist know whether infliximab, ustekinumab, or another treatment is the best fit for you. No more months spent trialing ineffective medications. This same test could flag a flare-up before symptoms worsen, meaning fewer emergency hospitalizations, fewer missed days at work or school, and far more mental space to live the life you want—beyond Crohn’s disease.
Last Friday, June 20 2025, nearly 50 partners participating in the METHYLOMIC study gathered in Brussels for the third Network Meeting. It was a valuable event during which all Work Packages presented the progress within their respective areas. For example, the inclusion of the first patients in the OmiCrohn and EPIPSORA studies was discussed. Keep an eye on the News page of the METHYLOMIC website for the latest updates and the Media page, for the newest podcast videos.
Exciting news, the first participants have been enrolled in the OMICROHN study. And additional sites are steadily moving toward activation.
Patients have been enrolled in:
This is the fourth issue of the METHYLOMIC Project Newsletter!
We are excited to share updates on our progress with all our stakeholders.
This newsletter is released quarterly, aiming to keep everyone informed about the significant developments and achievements within our consortium.
This is the fourth issue of the METHYLOMIC Project Newsletter!
We are excited to share updates on our progress with all our stakeholders.
This newsletter is released quarterly, aiming to keep everyone informed about the significant developments and achievements within our consortium.
On 21 October 2024, EFCCA hosted the online workshop. The workshop brought together patients, researchers and clinicians to foster mutual understanding of the challenges, expectations and perspectives on the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and IBD care. Throughout the session, the different stakeholders explained how AI technologies are applied in research and IBD care, and the extraordinary impact they can have on the management of IBD.
The workshop featured a Q&A session, and a panel discussion designed to encourage dialogue and active participation from attendees. EFCCA’s aim was to reach consensus on a joint Call to Action on AI and IBD care.
View the agenda, including the programme and speakers.
You can watch the recorded workshop via the below button.
This is the third issue of the METHYLOMIC Project Newsletter!
We are excited to share updates on our progress with all our stakeholders.
This newsletter is released quarterly, aiming to keep everyone informed about the significant developments and achievements within our consortium.
This is the second issue of the METHYLOMIC Project Newsletter!
We are excited to share updates on our progress with all our stakeholders.
This newsletter is released quarterly, aiming to keep everyone informed about the significant developments and achievements within our consortium.
This study is unique because it focuses on the predictive power of DNA methylation patterns for therapy response. While most Crohn’s disease researches emphasize genetic mutations or inflammatory biomarkers, this study investigates the role of epigenetic biomarkers, leading to a new perspective on therapy response prediction. In addition, this research emphasizes the importance of epigenetic modifications in the pathophysiology of complex diseases such as Crohn’s disease and Psoriasis, leading to advancements in precision medicine.
Unlike single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and mutations, that involve permanent changes in the DNA, methylation affects gene expression by altering DNA accessibility to transcription, not altering the DNA sequence itself. This process is highly dynamic and can therefore be influenced by several factors, including environment, lifestyle, and diet. This makes DNA methylation potentially responsive to treatment or disease progression. Hopefully, DNA methylation patterns can help to identify disease subtypes, monitor treatment responses, and predict relapses, offering a more personalized approach to disease management. Therefore, DNA methylation models might be a valuable tool for managing complex diseases such as Crohn’s disease and Psoriasis.
This research might significantly impact future treatment strategies for Crohn’s disease. By identifying specific methylation signatures associated with response to different biologic agents available, it can enable more precise and personalized treatment plans. Current therapy choices rely on a so-called ‘trial-and-error’ approach, often leading to long trajectories of inadequate treatment. By using DNA methylation-based therapy prediction models, the suitable therapy option can be started in an earlier phase.