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Ulcerative ColitisJune 2022Summary reviewed June 2026

What the U-ACHIEVE and U-ACCOMPLISH Trials Found — Upadacitinib for Ulcerative Colitis

Researchers tested upadacitinib, a pill taken once daily, in people with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis. In the induction studies, about 26-34% of patients taking upadacitinib achieved remission after 8 weeks, compared to 4-5% on placebo. In the maintenance study, 42-52% of patients on upadacitinib stayed in remission at one year versus 12% on placebo.

What the trial was testing

The U-ACHIEVE / U-ACCOMPLISH enrolled 522 patients with ulcerative colitis. The study was sponsored by AbbVie and tracked outcomes across the full group of patients who matched the trial's eligibility profile.

It was a large trial designed to confirm whether the treatment works well enough for wider use. Trials at this stage are designed to produce evidence regulators and physicians can act on — not just observations to follow up later.

What the results showed

52% of patients on the higher dose achieved remission at one year, compared to 12% on placebo.

Lancet (London, England) · 2022 · NCT03653026

These findings — that more than half of patients on the higher maintenance dose stayed in remission — were published in the Lancet (London, England) and represent the headline result of the study.

Researchers tracked outcomes across 522 patients enrolled in the trial. The result was consistent enough across the group that the team felt confident reporting it.

What this means for patients

For patients with ulcerative colitis, this result changes the calculus on what to ask their care team about. Whether it changes day-to-day care depends on factors like disease subtype, prior treatments, and where the patient is in their care journey.

What you can do now

Upadacitinib (brand name Rinvoq) is FDA-approved for moderate to severe ulcerative colitis. It's a pill you take once a day. If you're struggling with ulcerative colitis symptoms or not responding well to current treatments, ask your doctor whether this medication might be right for you.

Eligibility for the treatments mentioned above depends on specific test results and clinical history. Bring this summary, the trial name, and your most recent labs or pathology report to your next visit.