| abstract |
The present invention is directed to methods and compositions useful for predicting the efficacy of a TNFα inhibitor for treating an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The invention includes, in one embodiment, determining the level of expression of TNFα by delivering a labeled anti-TNFα antibody on to the cells of the intestinal mucosa of a subject having IBD, whereby the TNFα level of expression can be used to predict whether the subject will be responsive or not to the antibody therapy. Levels of TNFα may be determined in vivo or ex vivo. The invention further provides methods of locally administering a TNFα antibody, e.g., topically to the intestinal mucosa, for the treatment of IBD. |