A prospective double-blind trial has assessed the use of azathioprine in adults with a recent (<8 weeks) diagnosis of Crohn's disease. The patients were randomly assigned to receive azathioprine (n = 68) or placebo (n = 63) and were followed up for 76 weeks. The rates of relapse and steroid requirements were similar for the two groups. The researchers conclude that early therapy with azathoprine is no more effective than placebo for achieving sustained steroid-free remission in adults with Crohn's disease.