2’-FL for maintaining remission in Crohn’s disease (pediatric and young adults)
Official title: Dosing and Pilot Efficacy of 2'-Fucosyllactose in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Funded at Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr · NIH-11361690 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests a food-derived sugar, 2’-fucosyllactose, as a safe daily supplement to help maintain remission in people with Crohn’s disease who are already on standard medicines.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cincinnati, United States) |
| Project start | July 12, 2018 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $623,628 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD094862-08 |
| Project ID | NIH-11361690 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Pediatric and young adult Crohn’s disease patients in stable remission on anti-TNF therapy who are willing to take a daily supplement.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not in stable remission or not on anti-TNF therapy may not benefit from this specific intervention.
What this research studies
Crohn’s disease often relapses even when patients are in remission on anti-TNF therapy. The study will give 2’-FL or a placebo to pediatric and young adult participants in stable remission to see if it is safe and well tolerated, and whether it increases beneficial gut bacteria and short-chain fats. Participants will take a daily supplement and be monitored for disease activity, GI symptoms, and fecal biomarkers. The research uses a randomized, dose-ranging design to identify safe doses of 1 g or 5 g per day compared with placebo. If successful, this approach could support longer, healthier remission for people living with Crohn’s disease while staying on current therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, 2’-FL could become a safe dietary supplement to help maintain remission in Crohn’s disease.
How similar studies have gone: Early studies of prebiotic compounds in inflammatory bowel disease suggest potential benefits, but this exact 2’-FL approach is still being tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr
Cincinnati, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Denson, Lee Armistead — Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr
- Study coordinator: Denson, Lee Armistead
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.