A New Way to Understand Chronic Constipation
Official title: Defecation mechanisms and subtyping of constipation patients with Fecobionics
Funded at California Medical Innovations Institute · NIH-11164491 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project aims to better understand chronic constipation and improve how we identify its causes using a new device called Fecobionics.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | California Medical Innovations Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Diego, United States) |
| Project start | June 15, 2021 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $543,904 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK125657-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11164491 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals experiencing chronic constipation who are interested in participating in studies that use new diagnostic tools would be ideal.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose constipation is not chronic or is already well-managed by existing treatments may not directly benefit from this specific research.
What this research studies
Many people experience chronic constipation, and it can be hard to find effective treatments because we don't fully understand why it happens. Current tests often don't give a complete picture of what's going on in the body. This project uses a new, simulated stool device called Fecobionics to observe how the rectum and anal canal work during bowel movements. By mimicking natural defecation, this device can provide new insights into the body's processes. We hope this will lead to better ways to diagnose and treat chronic constipation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to more accurate diagnoses and more effective, personalized treatments for chronic constipation.
How similar studies have gone: This project introduces a novel Fecobionics device, suggesting a new approach to understanding defecation mechanisms where current diagnostic tests provide incomplete information.
Where this research is happening
-
California Medical Innovations Institute
San Diego, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gregersen, Hans — California Medical Innovations Institute
- Study coordinator: Gregersen, Hans
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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.