Clinical Research Directory

Glycan Supplementation on a Human Model of Crohn's Disease Initiation and Progression

The overall aim of this proof-of-concept trial is to investigate the effect of an orally administered glycan on the modulation of the dysregulation of host-microbiome interactions and its effect on the mucosal immune response. Post-operative Crohn's Disease patients will be used as a representative model to mimic the immunopathogenic pathway of health-to-disease transition. Changes in gut glycocalyx seem to be a primary event involved in the disruption of the interaction between the microbiota and the host immune system. Thus, this study aims to assess the effect of the modulation of the glycome on the microbial and immunological changes that contribute to disease development.

Cranberry and Gut Health in Crohn's Disease

This study is investigating whether a cranberry-based dietary supplement, rich in polyphenols and fiber, can enhance gut health in individuals with Crohn's disease. People with Crohn's disease often have an imbalance in their gut microbiome (the community of bacteria in the gut). Previous research suggests that cranberry compounds may help support beneficial gut bacteria. In this study, adults with Crohn's disease will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: one group will receive a cranberry supplement to take once daily for 10 weeks, and the other group will receive a placebo (a supplement with no active ingredients). All participants will be asked to complete online questionnaires and collect samples of their blood, urine, and stool at four time points over a total of 15 weeks. These samples will help researchers understand how the cranberry supplement affects the gut microbiome, inflammation, and overall health. Participation is voluntary, and participants can withdraw from the study at any time. The results of this study may help identify new diet-based approaches to improve gut health in individuals with Crohn's disease.

Prospective Evaluation of Flare Detection in IBD With Digital Biomarkers: Bring Your Own Device Study

The aim of this study is to identify HRV changes predictive of IBD flares using patient-own wearable devices in a large cohort supplemented by additional data layers including sleep parameters, step count and clinical data extracted from electronic patient files.

The Prospective Improved Vitamin D Study for Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients

The aim of this clinical trial is to gain a better understanding of the effect of Vitamin D supplementation on disease activity and overall health. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. What proportion of IBD patients adhere to Vitamin D supplement recommendations over a 12-month period? 2. Is the ASK-12 Questionnaire valid in measuring adherence among IBD patients? 3. Does the severity of a patient's Crohn's disease effect overall adherence, over a 12-month period? 4. Does the severity of a patient's Ulcerative Colitis disease effect overall adherence, over a 12-month period? 5. Does Vitamin D supplementation affect the health-related Quality of Life for IBD patients? 6. Is 2,000 IU/Day an effective dose to sustain appropriate blood Vitamin D levels among previously Vitamin deficient IBD patients? Participants will: * Take 2000 IU of Vitamin D every day for the next 12 months * Complete 2 surveys, bloodwork and a fecal calprotectin test at the initial, visit, 6 month follow up and 12 month follow up

INSIGHT-IBD Pragmatic Study

The goal of this study is to evaluate the real-world effectiveness of treatments for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) within routine clinical practice. The study population includes adult patients (≥21 years) with ulcerative colitis (UC) or Crohn's disease (CD) receiving care in community gastroenterology practices in the United States. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does treatment with mirikizumab reduce the proportion of patients requiring an increase in IBD disease management (e.g., unplanned visits, dose escalation, therapy switch, emergency department visits, or hospitalization)? * Does treatment with mirikizumab improve clinical outcomes, including disease activity, clinical remission, and patient-reported outcomes, compared to standard biologic therapy? * Researchers will compare patients treated with mirikizumab within the IBD Clinical Care Pathway versus patients receiving standard biologic therapies to see if mirikizumab leads to improved disease control and reduced healthcare utilization. Participants will: * Receive either mirikizumab or standard biologic therapy as part of routine clinical care * Attend follow-up visits at approximately 3, 6, 12, and 18 months * Have clinical data collected from electronic health records and healthcare utilization sources * Complete patient-reported outcome questionnaires assessing symptoms, quality of life, and daily functioning * Undergo routine laboratory tests and clinical assessments as part of standard care

Wild Blueberries in Colitis

The goal of this exploratory, prospective, monocentric randomized crossover study is to investigate the influence of a blueberry-rich diet compared to a blueberry-poor diet on the microbiome, the intestinal barrier and the inflammatory process in IBD patients with chronic colitis. The main question the study aims to answer is: * Does a diet rich in blueberries compared to a diet low in blueberries have an influence on disease activity, intestinal inflammation and symptoms in IBD patients with chronic colitis? Ulcerative Colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (MC) patients are recruited during an inpatient stay at the Clinic for Internal and Integrative Medicine in Bamberg, Germany. During their routine inpatient stay, patients are treated by an interdisciplinary team using a comprehensive multimodal integrative inpatient therapy concept that combines conventional medicine with a wide range of integrative non-pharmacological treatments, phytotherapy, lifestyle-modification and nutritional therapy. During this time, it is verified whether the patients can participate in the study. The study consists of two study arms, which are conducted in a cross-over design: * Intervention arm: in this study arm, participants receive 12 weeks of blueberry therapy in addition to the regular two weeks of inpatient care at the Clinic for Internal and Integrative Medicine in Bamberg. The blueberry therapy includes drinking around 35 g of blueberry powder stirred into water once a day for 12 weeks. * Control arm: in this study arm, participants receive the standard therapy (integrative medical therapy concept described above) during the regular two-week hospital stay. There is no additional blueberry intake. Due to the crossover study design, all participants undergo both study arms. This means that each participant takes the supplementary blueberry powder (intervention) for a period of 3 months and the control therapy for 3 months. The order in which the participants receive the forms of therapy is determined randomly. Thus, half of the study participants start the supplementary blueberry intake directly after the inpatient stay, the second half three months later (cross-over principle). UC and MC patients will: * initially receive a clinically indicated colonoscopy with confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE) during their routine inpatient stay at the Clinic for Internal and Integrative Medicine in Bamberg * return to the clinic for an optional sigmoidoscopy with CLE after 12 and 24 weeks * answer questionnaires at study start as well as after 12 and 24 weeks to analyze their quality of life, the severity of their symptoms and their disease activity * give samples of blood, urine, stool and bile fluid as well as intestinal biopsies during the colonoscopy/sigmoidoscopy at study start as well as after 12 and 24 weeks * document their intake of blueberry powder as well as their symptoms and stool frequencies in a diary throughout the study participation

Investigating the Effect of the Non-nutritive Sweetener Sucralose in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

This study will focus on the commonly used non-nutritive sweetener (NNS) sucralose (2 sachets/day resulting in daily dose: sucralose 2.5mg/kg) and its role in changing the gut microbiota in humans with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), compared to healthy non-IBD individuals. We will focus on studying IBD patients affected with Crohn's Disease (CD) as a proof of principle that could be tested later in other IBD subtypes (ulcerative colitis or others specific surgical conditions).

TIDHI Mental Health in IBD Patients Study

The purpose of this study is to test the impact of Healing Circuits™; a structured mental health support model on IBD patients. The eligible study participants will be randomly divided into two groups: 1. the group receiving structured mental health support with a social worker and 2. the group receiving structured mental health support via a self-directed online curriculum. Both groups will be receiving the same type of therapy, Healing Circuits™, but the group receiving the therapy via the online self-directed curriculum will be receiving the therapy mostly by web-based video instruction. The two groups will be evaluated over a period of 12 months.

Non-nutritive Sweeteners in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

This study will focus on the commonly used non-nutritive sweetener (NNS) sucralose (2 sachets/day resulting in daily dose: sucralose 2.5mg/kg) and its role in changing the gut microbiota in humans with IBD, compared to healthy non-IBD individuals. The investigators will focus on studying IBD patients affected with CD as a proof of principle that could be tested later in other IBD subtype (ulcerative colitis or others specific surgical conditions).

Adapted Physical Activity for Persistent Fatigue in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Remission

The cAPAble study aims to evaluate the impact of an adapted physical activity program on persistent fatigue in patients with inflammatory bowel disease in remission. This multicenter randomized study will include 120 participants. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a 6-month adapted physical activity program or usual care. Fatigue will be assessed using the FACIT-F questionnaire at 6 months.

Clostridium Butyricum in Stenosing Crohn's Disease

Crohn's disease is a condition of unknown etiology with an immune-mediated pathogenesis. The subgroup of Crohn's disease with a stricturing phenotype represents a particular challenge for clinicians, as currently no effective medical therapies are available for the prevention or treatment of fibrosis. Autophagy is a key mechanism in the regulation of cellular homeostasis, and preliminary reports from our group and others have suggested a potential role in the pathogenesis of fibrostenotic complications in Crohn's disease. The next-generation probiotic Clostridium butyricum has recently been proposed as a treatment option in several conditions, including inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Its beneficial effects are mainly exerted through the production of butyric acid, which in turn plays important roles at the intestinal mucosal level, including the stimulation of autophagy. The possibility of stimulating autophagy in patients with stricturing Crohn's disease may represent a promising therapeutic approach for the prevention and treatment of fibrosis. This study involves the collection of biopsy and blood samples from 40 patients with stricturing Crohn's disease undergoing colonoscopy. In the two months preceding colonoscopy, patients will be randomized into four groups: Patients treated with C. butyricum Patients treated with the autophagy stimulator trehalose Patients treated with C. butyricum + trehalose Patients treated with placebo Laboratory analyses will be performed on biopsy and blood samples to evaluate and quantify molecular mediators involved in inflammation, fibrosis, and autophagy.

Comparison Between Artificial Intelligence and Standard Reading to Investigate Suspected Crohn Disease: the SCAI STUDY

The diagnosis of Crohn's Disease (CD) is based on a combination of clinical, biochemical (serological and fecal), endoscopic, radiological, and histological investigations. In the absence of obstructive symptoms or known stenosis, European guidelines recommend to investigate the small intestine using Video Capsule Endoscopy (VCE) if ileocolonoscopy is not decisive. To reduce the reading time of VCE and increase the number of identified lesions during the examination, various artificial intelligence software/tools have been developed in recent decades. This study aims to be the first prospective multicentric real-life trial to evaluate AI-assisted VCE using SmartScan in identifying typical mucosal abnormalities of the small intestine in patients with suspected CD and its ability to reduce reading time while maintaining the same diagnostic yield and diagnostic accuracy of standard reading. The objective of the study is to evaluate the role of AI-assisted VCE using the OMOM SmartScan in detecting typical small bowel inflammatory lesions (i.e. erosions and ulcers) in patients with suspected CD, and comparing AI with standard reading.

DB-3Q for the Treatment of Medically Refractory Crohn's Disease

This research study is studying DB-3Q as a possible treatment for medically refractory Crohn's disease. The purpose of this study is to research and evaluate safety and effectiveness of the administration of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (bmMSC) derived extracellular vesicles product, DB-3Q, the study drug for Crohn's disease.

Switching to the IL-23 Inhibitor Guselkumab for People With Active IBD Who Previously Used Ustekinumab (SHIFT-IBD)

The SHIFT-IBD Study is being conducted at multiple medical centers across Canada to evaluate how well guselkumab (Tremfya) works for people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) who haven't responded well enough to ustekinumab. Patients will begin guselkumab based on their doctor's decision. If eligible, they may be invited to participate in the study, which involves monitoring symptoms, test results, and overall health over the course of one year. Guselkumab will be given according to local medical guidelines. Doctors can adjust the treatment as needed, just like in routine care. Researchers believe that switching to guselkumab may be as effective as other advanced treatments. For those who saw some improvement on ustekinumab but not enough, guselkumab may offer better symptom control-without worsening results on medical tests like endoscopy. The goal is to explore better treatment options for people whose IBD has not been well controlled with current therapies.

A Study Comparing Transperineal Ultrasound, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Endoscopic Ultrasound, and Examination Under Anesthesia to Detect and Classify Perianal Fistulas in Patients With Crohn's Disease or Fistulas of Unknown Cause

The goal of this study is to learn how well different imaging tests detect and describe perianal fistulas in adults with Crohn's disease or fistulas with no known cause (cryptogenic). Perianal fistulas are painful tunnels that form near the anus and can lead to discharge, swelling, or infection. The main questions this study aims to answer are: How accurate is transperineal ultrasound (TPUS) compared to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in finding fistulas? How well do these tests identify key features like internal openings and abscesses? Do the test results help doctors make better treatment decisions? Researchers will compare TPUS and MRI to two other imaging methods: Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), which uses a small camera and ultrasound inside the rectum Examination under anesthesia (EUA), in which a surgeon checks the area while the participant is asleep All participants will: Be adults between the ages of 18 and 75 Have a suspected or confirmed perianal fistula Be able to complete all four tests-TPUS, MRI, EUS, and EUA-within 10 days Participants will not receive any experimental treatments. The tests are part of routine care and will be done using advanced equipment by expert doctors. Each test result will be used to compare how accurate and useful the test is in real-life diagnosis and treatment planning. This study may help make fistula diagnosis faster, safer, and more affordable-especially in settings where access to MRI or surgery is limited. It may also support the use of TPUS as a first step in evaluating perianal fistulas in people with Crohn's disease.

R-3750 in Patients With Crohn's Disease

This is a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluating the safety, tolerability, clinical activity, and pharmacodynamic effects of R-3750 in adults with active Crohn's disease. Approximately 40 participants will be randomized 1:1 to receive R-3750 or matching placebo orally once daily for 12 weeks. Participants will be followed for safety, clinical response, and durability of response through approximately Day 168. Assessments will include adverse events, Crohn's disease activity, endoscopic response, patient-reported outcomes, inflammatory biomarkers, microbiome composition, and pharmacodynamic measures.

Incremental Value of Traditional Chinese Medicine Features in Two-Stage Pre-Endoscopic Prediction

This observational study evaluates whether adding Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)-related clinical features improves the performance of machine-learning models that estimate disease risk before colonoscopy. We compare two modeling strategies that use the same sequential (two-stage) framework: Western-only models, based on demographic, clinical, and laboratory information commonly used in Western medicine. TCM-integrated models, which use the same types of Western information plus structured TCM features. Stage 1 aims to distinguish people more likely to have functional bowel problems from those more likely to have inflammatory or neoplastic colorectal disease. Stage 2 focuses on people in the higher-risk pathway and aims to distinguish ulcerative colitis from other inflammatory or neoplastic conditions. Models are developed in one dataset and tested in independent external data from other centers. We assess discrimination (including AUC), clinical usefulness with decision-curve analysis, and which TCM features contribute most in the integrated models. This study does not assign treatments. It analyzes existing clinical information to support future pre-endoscopic triage research. Results will not replace colonoscopy or clinician judgment.

HB-adMSCs for the Treatment of Crohn's Disease

Methodology: Randomized, double-blind, efficacy and safety study of allogeneic HB-adMSCs vs placebo for the treatment of Crohn's Disease with a 16-week treatment period and a safety and efficacy follow up period for 52 weeks post first treatment. Treatment Duration: 16 weeks General Objectives: To assess the efficacy and safety of multiple intravenous infusions of allogeneic HB-adMSCs by improving signs and symptoms of Crohn's Disease in this subject population. Number of Subjects: 46 (23 in each treatment arm) Indication: Crohn's Disease

Concordance Between Inflammatory Activity Assessed by Enteric MRI With and Without Intestinal Distension Product in Patients With Ileal Crohn's Disease.

Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that can significantly impair patients' quality of life. Due to its transmural nature (affecting the entire thickness of the intestinal wall), it naturally progresses to intestinal destruction (stenosis, fistula), requiring intestinal resection in approximately half of patients during follow-up. The long-term goal for patients is to maintain a normal life, i.e., without symptoms and without intestinal destruction. To this end, short- and medium-term therapeutic goals have evolved in recent years. Clinical remission is not a sufficient goal, as it has not changed the natural history of the disease. The current goal is to achieve a combination of clinical remission and endoscopic mucosal healing, as this is associated with a reduced risk of adverse outcomes (recurrence of symptoms, hospitalization, intestinal resection). Transmural healing assessed by MRI is also a promising goal associated with a reduced risk of adverse outcomes (recurrence of symptoms, hospitalization, intestinal resection). Furthermore, it is associated with a lower risk of progression to intestinal destruction, unlike endoscopic remission. In this context, transmural healing could soon become the benchmark in terms of therapeutic objectives for Crohn's disease, particularly in the ileum. Although enteric MRI is better accepted than colonoscopy by patients with Crohn's disease, in the ACCEPT1 study, nearly half of patients (48.6%) reported the need to use an intestinal distension product (PEG, mannitol, etc.) as a significant obstacle to repeating entero-MRI, while more than a third complained of vomiting (33.7%) or severe diarrhea (35.0%) induced by these same products. Being able to do without the use of distension products would significantly improve the acceptability of entero-MRI. The investigators hypothesize that an enteric MRI without distension would lead to poorer ileal distension but would allow inflammatory activity scores to be assessed on MRI in a manner similar to an examination with distension, and thus would not impact the need for therapeutic intensification.

Assessing Interventions of Diet in IBD

In this study, we are trying to learn how certain diets affect people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We want to understand what makes it hard or easy for them to stick to different eating plans, like intermittent fasting, the Mediterranean diet, and the Low FODMAP diet. By finding out how these diets help with symptoms and which ones are easier to follow, we hope to improve the quality of life for people with IBD.

Prospective Risk Evaluation and Detection of Crohn's Disease in First-degree Relatives

The PREDICT-CD study aims to validate a risk score for the development of Crohn's disease, based on serological biomarkers and lifestyle-related factors. Given that having a family member with the disease is the strongest known risk factor, the target population will consist of first-degree relatives (aged 16 to 35) of individuals diagnosed with Crohn's disease. This study will be conducted within Work Package 3 (WP3) of the INTERCEPT project, a consortium funded by the Innovative Health Initiative (IHI). The research will take place across 28 centres in seven countries: Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Poland. To achieve the study objectives, individuals with Crohn's disease (referred to as patients) will be invited to participate and to engage their eligible first-degree relatives. At the baseline visit, the patient's physician will complete a clinical questionnaire covering disease history, treatments, and previous interventions. At the same time, first-degree relatives (parents, siblings, or children) will donate a blood sample for serum isolation and, optionally, a whole blood and stool sample. They will also complete a questionnaire regarding their health status, habits, and preferences. Follow-up questionnaires will be administered every six months to monitor the onset of symptoms or behavioural changes.

Characterization of Colorectal Dysplasic Lesions and Stratification of Their Evolving Risk in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients: a Prospective, Observational and Multicenter Study

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) patients have an increased risk of ColoRectal Cancer (CRC). The cumulative risk of CRC development is estimated at 1% after 10 years of disease progression, 2% after 20 years, and 5% after more than 20 years of disease progression (1). The incidence of CRC in IBD has gradually declined, attributed to enhanced detection of preneoplastic lesions (dysplasia), improved adherence to screening recommendations, utilization of advanced high-definition endoscopes (2-4), and the implementation of more efficacious therapeutic strategies (5-9). Presently, there is no consensus on the endoscopic management of dysplastic lesions. Recent techniques such as submucosal dissection (ESD) enable the resection of non-polypoid flat lesions larger than 2 cm. Lesions previously treated with colectomy can now be resected by ESD with en-bloc resection rates of approximately 85.7% (17). However, long-term data on the risk of local or distant recurrence after endoscopic resection in IBD is lacking. It is crucial to evaluate complete (R0) and curative resection rates, as well as the rate of local recurrence, based on the type of endoscopic treatment. In light of the 21st century advancements, characterized by high-definition endoscopes and targeted treatments, it is imperative to: * Assess the prevalence and incidence of dysplasia in IBD and its risk of progression to CRC. * Specifically characterize the endoscopy and histology of pre-neoplastic lesions in IBD to facilitate better selection of lesions amenable to endoscopic treatment or surgery. * Evaluate the rates of local and distant recurrence over time, considering factors associated with this evolving risk (IBD characteristics, endoscopic appearance, histology, type of resection, etc.).

Assessment and Educational Intervention to Reduce Ultra-processed Food Consumption in Pediatric Patients With IBD

This study explores whether simple nutrition education can help children and teens with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) eat fewer ultra-processed foods (UPFs). UPFs include packaged snacks, sugary drinks, and fast food-items that are high in added sugars, fats, and artificial ingredients. Participants will complete online food recalls to measure what they eat and will then receive either nutrition handouts alone or handouts plus a short educational video about UPFs. Researchers will compare changes in UPF intake between the two groups after several weeks and ask families how useful and acceptable they found the materials. The goal is to identify an effective, practical way to support healthier eating habits and long-term gut health in pediatric IBD.

Feasibility Study of the SEGER Device in Laparoscopic Gastrointestinal Surgery

This is a first-in-human feasibility study designed to evaluate the safety and performance of the SEGER device in patients undergoing elective laparoscopic gastrointestinal surgery requiring intracorporeal anastomosis. The study will include patients undergoing procedures such as small bowel-small bowel and colorectal anastomoses. The SEGER device is intended to facilitate closure of enterotomies and support intracorporeal anastomosis during minimally invasive surgery. The primary objective of the study is to assess the safety of the device and its performance during surgery. Secondary objectives include evaluation of technical success, intraoperative usability, and early postoperative outcomes.