Johnson & Johnson has reported new long‑term results from the QUASAR long‑term extension study, showing that Tremfya (guselkumab) sustained clinical, endoscopic and histologic outcomes through week 140 in adults with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis who had not responded adequately to conventional or biologic therapy.
The data are among 30 company‑sponsored abstracts being presented at the European Crohn’s and Colitis Organisation 2026 conference.
At Week 140, 80.8% of patients receiving guselkumab were in clinical remission.
A further 78.6% achieved histo‑endoscopic mucosal improvement, and 53.6% were in endoscopic remission, based on the average of the two dosing schedules and an as‑observed analysis.
Around 89% of eligible participants completed treatment through Week 140.
Most patients who achieved clinical remission at Week 140 were corticosteroid‑free for at least eight weeks.
The study also found that of those in clinical remission at Week 44, 87.5% maintained remission through Week 140, regardless of prior biologic or Janus kinase inhibitor exposure. No new safety concerns were identified.
Laurent Peyrin‑Biroulet, MD, PhD, study investigator, said: “Ulcerative colitis is a lifelong condition that can significantly impact patients’ overall health and they need treatment options that remain effective and well-tolerated over time.”
He added: “The QUASAR long-term study shows the ability of guselkumab to deliver durable results, with consistent outcomes regardless of previous biologic or JAK inhibitor treatment. With high study retention and no new safety concerns over this extended time period, the data strengthen confidence in the long-term use of guselkumab in ulcerative colitis.”
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic condition that can severely affect quality of life.
Reducing relapse risk remains a major challenge, making endoscopic remission and histological improvement key treatment goals.
Mark Graham, Senior Director, Therapeutic Area Head, Immunology, Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine EMEA, said: “These findings highlight the endoscopic outcomes that can be achieved with guselkumab, raising the efficacy bar for patients with ulcerative colitis.”
He explained: “Patients who achieve endoscopic remission experience fewer flare-ups and are less likely to need steroids or require surgery over time. We are energised by these findings and remain focused on delivering treatments that help more patients achieve meaningful, lasting disease control.”
Two additional Johnson & Johnson‑sponsored abstracts were selected as Top 10 oral presentations at ECCO 2026, including results from the phase 2b ANTHEM‑UC study of icotrokinra and primary safety results from the UNITI Jr study of Stelara in paediatric ulcerative colitis.
