Disclosed herein is a method for the sustained amelioration and/or treatment of ulcerative colitis comprising rectal administration of a compound comprising an antisense oligonucleotide having the sequence 5'-GCCCAAGCTGGCATCCGTCA-3', ISIS 2302. The method results in a decrease in the indications of ulcerative colitis for an extended period (greater than 90 days) after the conclusion of the administration of the composition. The composition is well tolerated and systemic exposure is minimal.