Together, we can find out what works best.
Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) are serious, lifelong conditions that impact more than 2 million people in the United States. For children, these diseases can be especially challenging, affecting not only their health, but also their growth, school, and everyday life.
The first line of treatment for children with moderate to severe IBD is a class of medicines called anti- TNF therapies. While these medicines can help, they don’t work for everyone, and many children eventually stop responding. When that happens, families face difficult decisions about what comes next.
Over the past decade, several new therapies have become available for adults with IBD. But these newer options haven’t been fully studied in children. Families and providers are often left to make treatment choices without the clear data they need.
“As a parent, I am constantly thinking about what medication would be best for
my son when anti-TNF treatment stops working.
How COMPARE Helps
The COMPARE study is designed to fill this critical gap. By following children and teens with IBD who are starting one of these emerging therapies, COMPARE will answer key questions:
- Which treatments are most effective in real life?
- How safe are these options for children and teens?
- How do these therapies impact daily life and long- term health?
Through surveys, routine care data, and ongoing follow-up, COMPARE is creating the first large-
scale evidence base for these decisions.
Who Can Join?
COMPARE is open to kids and teens who:
- Are under 18
- Are diagnosed with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis (UC).
- Have already tried an anti-TNF medicine but need a new option for managing their IBD.
- Will stay with their clinic for at least a year at one of the participating sites. See COMPARE’s site locations here!
Because COMPARE focuses on kids starting their next medicine, families should enroll before or at the time of their first dose. This helps researchers capture the most accurate information from the very beginning.
Medicines included in COMPARE are Vedolizumab, Ustekinumab, Risankizumab, Guselkumab, Mirikizumab, Tofacitinib, and Upadacitinib.
What’s Involved
Participating in COMPARE is simple and designed to fit into your regular routine. There are no extra clinic visits, no extra medicines, and no changes to your child’s care. Here is what you can expect:
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How long: At least 1 year (up to 3 years).
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Check-ins about how you’re feeling:
- Right after you join
- Every 2 months during the first year
- Every 6 months in years 2 and 3
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What we use: Information your clinic already collects (visits, labs). A poop (stool) sample
is optional.
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Regular Care: Your child’s doctor continues to manage their care and choose treatments.
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Compensation: You will receive up to $280 for participating.
