This site is intended for U.S. healthcare professionals.

Visit Pfizer Medical

Menu

Close

Sign InLog OutTherapy AreasProductsOrder VaccinesOrder SamplesOrderMaterialsCo-pay Cards & Patient Savings OffersRequest SamplesHospital ProductsVaccinesPatient AssistancePfizer Oncology TogetherPfizer RxPathwaysPfizer Dermatology Patient AccessExplore ContentEventsMaterialsVideosContact
SearchAbout VELSIPITYAbout VELSIPITYVELSIPITY OverviewPatient ProfilesMOAEfficacyEfficacyTrial DesignEfficacy DataSafetyStarting TreatmentAccess & SupportAccess & SupportVelsipityForMe Patient SupportEnrollment ResourcesResourcesResourcesRequest a RepEventsMaterialsVideos
Prescribing InformationMedication GuideIndication Patient SiteRequest Samples
VELSIPITY was purposefully developed due to its affinity to bind to S1P receptors 1, 4, and 51VELSIPITY was purposefully developed due to its affinity to bind to S1P receptors 1, 4, and 51
How VELSIPITY works
  • VELSIPITY is the first and only S1P receptor modulator to target receptors 1, 4, and 5, which are all believed to play a role in inflammation by helping to control lymphocyte egress from the lymphoid organs1,2
  • VELSIPITY works to reduce the number of inflammation-causing lymphocytes circulating in the blood so that fewer move toward the colon1,3*
*The mechanism by which VELSIPITY exerts therapeutic effects in UC is unknown but may involve the reduction of lymphocyte migration into the intestines.1
Pill is not actual size.
How other UC therapies are believed to work4-7
  • TNF inhibitors bind to TNF alpha and block its interaction with receptors on pro-inflammatory cells4
  • Interleukin inhibitors bind to interleukins, such as IL-12 and/or IL-23, which are important contributors to the chronic inflammation of UC5
  • lntegrin inhibitors bind to α4β7 integrin, inhibiting memory T cells from moving across vascular endothelium into inflamed gut tissue6
  • JAK inhibitors work intracellularly through various pairings to prevent phosphorylation and activation of STATs, which results in altered cytokine signaling related to the inflammatory process7
Pill is not actual size.
The mechanism by which VELSIPITY exerts therapeutic effects in UC is unknown but may involve the reduction of lymphocyte migration into the intestines.1S1P=sphingosine 1-phosphate; STATs=signal transducers and activators of transcription; TNF=tumor necrosis factor.See which patients with moderate to severe UC are appropriate for this first-line advanced therapyExplore Patient Types Loading
Advanced therapies include S1P receptor modulators, biologics, and JAKi.2
ReferencesVELSIPITY [prescribing information]. New York, NY: Pfizer Inc.; June 2024.Sandborn WJ, Vermeire S, Peyrin-Biroulet L, et al. Etrasimod as induction and maintenance therapy for ulcerative colitis (ELEVATE): two randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 studies [published correction appears in Lancet. 2023;401(10381):1000]. Lancet. 2023;401(10383):1159-1171.Tourkochristou E, Mouzaki A, Triantos C. Unveiling the biological role of sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor modulators in inflammatory bowel diseases. World J Gastroenterol. 2023;29(1):110-125.Keystone EC, Ware CF. Tumor necrosis factor and anti-tumor necrosis factor therapies. J Rheumatol Suppl. 2010;85:27-39.Pugliese D, Privitera G, Fiorani M, et al. Targeting IL12/23 in ulcerative colitis: update on the role of ustekinumab. Therap Adv Gastroenterol. 2022;15:17562848221102283.Colombel JF, Sands BE, Rutgeerts P, et al. The safety of vedolizumab for ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Gut. 2017;66(5):839-851.Mohamed M-E, Bhatnagar S, Parmentier JM, et al. Upadacitinib: mechanism of action, clinical, and translational science. Clin Transl Sci. 2024;17(1):e13688.
About VELSIPITY
Request a Representative
Get answers to your questions and find out about sample availability
Connect with a Rep Loading

To report an adverse event, please call 1-800-438-1985

Pfizer for Professionals 1-800-505-4426

This site is intended only for U.S. healthcare professionals. The products discussed in this site may have different product labeling in different countries. The information provided is for educational purposes only.

© 2025 Pfizer Inc. All rights reserved.

PP-V1A-USA-1056
IndicationVELSIPITY® (etrasimod) is indicated for the treatment of moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis (UC) in adults.
Important Safety Information Contraindications
  • Patients in the last 6 months who experienced myocardial infarction, unstable angina, stroke, transient ischemic attack, decompensated heart failure requiring hospitalization, or Class III or IV heart failure
  • Patients with a history or presence of Mobitz type II second-degree or third-degree AV block, sick sinus syndrome, or sino-atrial block, unless the patient has a functioning pacemaker
Infections 

VELSIPITY may increase the susceptibility to infections. Life-threatening and rare fatal infections have been reported in association with other sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) receptor modulators. Before starting VELSIPITY, obtain a recent (i.e., within 6 months) CBC, including lymphocyte count. Delay initiation of VELSIPITY in patients with an active infection until the infection is resolved. Consider interruption of treatment with VELSIPITY if a patient develops a serious infection. Continue monitoring for infections up to 5 weeks after discontinuing VELSIPITY.

  • Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is an opportunistic viral infection of the brain that typically occurs in patients who are immunocompromised, and usually leads to death or severe disability. PML has been reported in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients treated with S1P receptor modulators and has been associated with risk factors and duration of use. Longer treatment duration (≥18 months) increases the risk of PML. VELSIPITY is not indicated in MS. If PML is suspected, suspend VELSIPITY and discontinue if PML is confirmed by appropriate diagnostic evaluation. Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) has been reported in patients with MS treated with S1P receptor modulators who developed PML and discontinued treatment. Clinical decline may be rapid, can lead to serious neurological complications or death, and is often associated with characteristic MRI changes. Onset was generally within a few months after S1P receptor modulator discontinuation. Monitoring for IRIS should be undertaken.
  • Herpes simplex encephalitis, varicella zoster meningitis, and localized herpes viral infections have been reported with S1P receptor modulators. In UC-1, herpes zoster was reported in 0.7% of subjects treated with VELSIPITY and in none of the subjects who received placebo. Patients without a healthcare professional-confirmed history of varicella (chickenpox), or without documentation of a full course of vaccination against varicella zoster virus (VZV), should be tested for antibodies to VZV before initiating VELSIPITY. A full course of VZV vaccination for antibody-negative patients is recommended prior to commencing treatment with VELSIPITY.
  • Cases of fatal cryptococcal meningitis (CM) and disseminated cryptococcal infections have been reported with S1P receptor modulators. VELSIPITY treatment should be suspended until a cryptococcal infection has been excluded. If CM is diagnosed, appropriate treatment should be initiated.
  • VELSIPITY has not been studied in combination with anti-neoplastic, immune-modulating, or non-corticosteroid immunosuppressive therapies. Avoid concomitant administration of these therapies with VELSIPITY. 
  • Update immunizations according to current guidelines prior to VELSIPITY treatment. Avoid the use of live attenuated vaccines during and for 5 weeks after treatment with VELSIPITY. If live attenuated vaccine immunizations are required, administer at least 4 weeks prior to initiation of VELSIPITY.
Bradyarrhythmia and Atrioventricular (AV) Conduction Delays
Initiation of VELSIPITY may result in a transient decrease in heart rate and AV conduction delays. Before starting VELSIPITY, obtain an ECG to assess for preexisting cardiac conduction abnormalities. Seek advice of a cardiologist for patients with: significant QT prolongation; arrhythmia requiring treatment with Class Ia or Class III anti-arrhythmic drugs or QT prolonging drugs; unstable ischemic heart disease, Class I or Class II heart failure, history of cardiac arrest, cerebrovascular disease, or uncontrolled hypertension; resting HR<50bpm; history of symptomatic bradycardia, recurrent cardiogenic syncope, or severe untreated sleep apnea; history of Mobitz type I second-degree AV block in the absence of a functioning pacemaker.

Liver Injury
Elevations of aminotransferases may occur in patients receiving VELSIPITY. Obtain transaminase and bilirubin levels, if not recently available (i.e., within the last 6 months), before initiation of VELSIPITY or in patients who develop symptoms suggestive of hepatic dysfunction. Discontinue VELSIPITY if significant liver injury is confirmed. Use of VELSIPITY in patients with severe hepatic impairment is not recommended.

Macular Edema
S1P receptor modulators have been associated with an increased risk of macular edema. Obtain baseline evaluation of the fundus, including the macula near the start of VELSIPITY treatment. Periodically assess the fundus, including the macula, during treatment or if there is a change in vision. Consider discontinuing VELSIPITY if macular edema develops. 

Increased Blood Pressure 
VELSIPITY patients in clinical trials had average increases of 1 to 4 mm Hg systolic and 1 to 2 mm Hg diastolic blood pressure (BP). Increases were first detected after 2 weeks of treatment and remained within the specified average range of BP increases throughout treatment. Monitor BP during treatment with VELSIPITY and manage appropriately.

Fetal Risk
Based on animal studies, VELSIPITY may cause fetal harm. Advise pregnant females and females of reproductive potential of the potential risk to a fetus and to use effective contraception to avoid pregnancy during and for one week after stopping VELSIPITY. Pregnant females exposed to VELSIPITY are encouraged to contact the pregnancy registry by calling 1-800-616-3791.

Cutaneous Malignancies
Risk of cutaneous malignancies is increased in patients treated with S1P receptor modulators in clinical trials and cutaneous malignancies have been reported in the postmarketing setting. Skin examinations are recommended prior to or shortly after the start of treatment and periodically thereafter for all patients, particularly those with risk factors for skin cancer. Monitor for suspicious skin lesions. Limit UV exposure including phototherapy.

Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome
Rare cases of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) have been reported in patients receiving S1P receptor modulators. If a patient develops neurological or psychiatric symptoms/signs or any symptom/sign suggestive of an increase of intracranial pressure, or accelerated neurological deterioration, complete a physical and neurological examination promptly and consider an MRI. Symptoms of PRES are usually reversible but may evolve into ischemic stroke or cerebral hemorrhage. Delay in diagnosis and treatment may lead to permanent neurological sequelae. If PRES is suspected, discontinue treatment with VELSIPITY.

Respiratory Effects
VELSIPITY may cause a decline in pulmonary function. Spirometric evaluation should be conducted during therapy if clinically indicated.

Unintended Additive Immune System Effects from Prior Treatment with Immunosuppressive or Immune-Modulating Drugs
When switching to VELSIPITY from drugs with prolonged immune effects, consider the half-life and mode of action of these drugs to avoid unintended additive immunosuppressive effects.

Immune System Effects After Stopping VELSIPITY
After stopping VELSIPITY, lymphocyte counts returned to the normal range in 90% of subjects within 4 to 5 weeks. Use of immunosuppressants within this period may lead to an additive effect on the immune system, and therefore monitor patients receiving concomitant immunosuppressants for infectious complications up to 5 weeks after the last dose of VELSIPITY.

Most Common Adverse Reactions

Most common adverse reactions reported in ≥ 2% of subjects and at a higher rate than placebo included: headache, elevated liver tests, dizziness, arthralgia, nausea, hypertension, bradycardia, UTI, hypercholesterolemia, and herpes viral infection.

Please see full Prescribing Information, including Medication Guide.
Indication

VELSIPITY is indicated for the treatment of moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis (UC) in adults.