SMAD7 and Crohn disease: The systemic administration of alicaforsen [targeting intracellular adhesion molecule-1, which mediates the recruitment of leukocytes to the inflamed mucosa] was not effective in Crohn’s disease,30 but ameliorated signs of active UC upon topical application.31 In a recently performed Phase 2 trial in Crohn’s disease patients, the oral antisense ODN mongersen, which targets the intracellular protein SMAD7 that inhibits transforming growth factor [TGF-]-ß1, demonstrated high efficacy in inducing clinical remission in patients with active disease.32