Prior exposure to anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) therapy was associated with a lower risk of colectomy in patients with acute severe ulcerative colitis receiving salvage therapy with a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor. The study showed that patients with prior biologic treatment had better benefit from JAK inhibitors. It is a rescue therapy for an acute, severe form of the disease. The results were presented at a meeting in Las Vegas, according to MedPage Today. Previous biological treatments, such as TNF blockers, increase the effectiveness of JAK inhibitors in this context. The lower risk of colectomy surgery means less need for surgical removal of the bowel.