Intestinal barrier dysfunction or the loss of the epithelial integrity allowing the permeation of microorganisms, dietary antigens and other particles into the gastrointestinal (GI) mucosa results in the activation of the immune system and drives inflammation during IBD. Ongoing inflammation in the GI tract and loss of the mucosal barrier are key features of active disease and predict relapse and serious complications. Existing drugs approved in IBD have limited effects on endoscopic remission and improvement in mucosal healing, driving a critical need for therapies which lead directly to mucosal healing.