OBJECTIVES: Various investigational medicinal products have been developed for 
ulcerative colitis (UC). Our aim was to systematically evaluate novel 
pharmacological therapeutic agents for the treatment of UC.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and 
Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) recommendations were followed. A search of the medical 
literature was conducted in the MEDLINE database for original research papers 
published between 01 January 2010 and 31 October 2014.
RESULTS: Twenty one studies, including 11,524 adults were analyzed. Thirteen 
different novel therapeutic drug options were identified. Vedolizumab and 
golimumab were superior to placebo as induction and maintenance therapy. 
Tofacitinib showed dose related efficacy for induction therapy. Etrolizumab 
showed higher clinical remission rates compared to placebo. Phosphatidylcholine 
led to an improved clinical activity index. HMPL-004 may become a mesalamine 
alternative for mild to moderate UC. PF00547,659 was well tolerated. Statins 
were not beneficial for acute exacerbations of UC. Abatacept, rituximab and 
visilizumab did not lead to improved outcomes compared to placebo. Higher 
concentration of BMS 936557 was associated with improved efficacy compared to 
placebo. Basiliximab did not enhance corticosteroid efficacy.
CONCLUSIONS: Patients with UC might achieve clinical response or remission by 
utilizing some of these agents with a favorable side effect profile. Further 
studies are needed to evaluate their short- and long-term efficacy and safety.