Jordan Brook, is in early remission after failing multiple therapies and he also avoided elective surgery which was to be a last resort. Here's his story:
My name is Jordan and I'm 34 years old. I enjoy days out with my 8-year-old son and family, walking my dog and watching any sports. I have lived with ulcerative colitis since 2020. One day I was living a normal life the next I wasn’t.
Over the past five years I have tried numerous treatments, but nothing seemed to work. I found myself needing to go the toilet having sudden urges at least 15 to 20 times a day, passing blood and feeling tired and weak. I missed a lot of time at work, and I was unable to socialise with friends and family, which made me feel sad and low in mood. I was not confident leaving the house and I became housebound.
Since my diagnosis I’ve had four different types of treatment; oral medication, injections under my skin and intravenous infusions, but none helped, and the next step was to discuss surgery to remove part of my bowel.
At the beginning of March, I received a call from the specialist Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) team, and was asked if I would be interested in taking part in a clinical trial. Everything was explained to me, but I was unsure at first. I thought, ‘I don't want to be a guinea pig’. However, one thing stuck out for me; I would have access to a medicine that isn't yet on the market and that could be the drug that works for me! So, I thought I would give it a go. I know how horrible ulcerative colitis is and I thought if by participating in research myself, it helps one more person, then I’d be very happy.
Since starting the trial my symptoms have improved massively and I’m basically back to living a normal life. I can now go out with my friends and family, socialising and going to events and spending quality time with my son on days out. I'm back at work and feel fit and strong again.
All the staff involved in the trial have been amazing! So helpful and understanding and I feel they deserve huge credit. Research is a million percent needed, and I would urge anyone to give it a go. It's all about finding cures to fight these diseases and make peoples’ lives better. Joining the research has changed my life for the better which I thought would never happen. I owe a huge amount to the research team for the way they have looked out for me during this trial.
More on the trial
The clinical trial is being led by Dr Yousif, assisted by the research team and Specialist Pharmacist, Mo Allah-Ditta. Mo said: “I’ve been closely involved in Jordan’s care for several years. His condition was particularly difficult to manage, and despite trying all the usual treatments, his symptoms remained severe. At one point, surgery was being considered, and he was planned for review in our joint Inflammatory Bowel Disease clinic with surgical specialists.
"However, Jordan was asked to consider a clinical trial for a new treatment called Tulisokibart, which had shown encouraging results in earlier studies. After discussing his options and concerns, Jordan chose to take part in the trial, hoping to avoid surgery.
"He started the treatment in May, receiving regular infusions over 10 weeks. The results were remarkable. His symptoms improved significantly, and tests showed that the inflammation in his bowel had mostly healed. What had been a severe condition was now under control, with only a small area of mild disease remaining.
"Jordan met all the trial’s goals at the end of this first phase, avoided surgery, and regained his quality of life. He’s now continuing treatment at home with regular injections. Our team is planning to share his story nationally through the trial sponsor to help encourage others to take part in similar studies”.
Main image from Left: Lisa (Research Nurse), Mo Allah-Ditta (Specialist pharmacist), Jordan and Dr Yousif.
