Dr Jean-Frédéric Colombel Highlights Advances in Early Detection and Prevention of Crohn’s Disease at the 31st Anatomical Lesson in Amsterdam

INTERCEPT Co-Lead Principal Investigator Dr Jean-Frédéric Colombel delivered this year’s prestigious 31st Anatomical Lesson at the Concertgebouw, sharing groundbreaking insights into the early detection, prevention, and future treatment of Crohn’s disease and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

In a high honor, Jean-Frédéric Colombel, MD, Professor of Gastroenterology and Director of the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, delivered the 31st Anatomical Lesson on November 20, 2025, at the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. His lecture, “Tackling the Growing Problem of Immune Diseases — Crohn’s Disease as an Example,” explored his pioneering work in the early detection, prevention, and treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD).

The Anatomical Lesson, an annual public lecture organized by Amsterdam UMC, is attended not only by leading international physicians and researchers but also the general public, bringing them together to reflect on medicine’s evolving relationship with society.

Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, debilitating Inflammatory Bowel Diseases that often strike people in their twenties and thirties, can upend young lives just as careers, families, and relationships begin to form. Dr. Colombel was selected as the speaker for this year’s public lecture due to his nearly five decades of research and clinical work focused on restoring quality of life for patients while pursuing the goal of uncovering the cause of Crohn’s disease and, ultimately, a cure.

Dr. Colombel is internationally recognized for his discoveries that have reshaped how clinicians understand and diagnose IBD. His research has revealed early disease biomarkers such as the ASCA blood test, identified genetic drivers including the NOD2 mutation, and characterized disease-associated gut bacteria (AIEC). These findings allow physicians to identify patients at increased risk of IBD, even before symptoms develop, and to intervene earlier with personalized care strategies. In discussing his work, Dr Colombel stated “The earlier we can detect inflammation and intervene, the greater our chances are of altering the course of disease and preserving a patient’s life plans.”

Dr. Colombel’s passion and dedication is reflected in the vision and mission of INTERCEPT to pioneer a future without Crohn’s disease. Researchers, scientists, and professionals from around the world have come together in INTERCEPT to drive innovation and potentially change the future for millions of people at risk of developing Crohn’s disease.

At INTERCEPT, we are grateful for each partner that makes up this exciting project and celebrate their milestones, achievements, and dedication. Congratulations to Dr. Colombel and his entire team for this well-deserved recognition.

*Adapted from a press release originally published by the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in November 2025