A new way to use gut bacteria transplants for Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Efficacy and Safety of Proteolytic Activity-Guided fecal Microbiota Transplantation for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (PRAGMAT trial)
This research explores if a special type of fecal microbiota transplant, guided by specific gut enzyme activity, can safely and effectively improve symptoms for adults with Irritable Bowel Syndrome that developed after an infection.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mayo Clinic Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11176806 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Many people experience Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), especially a type that starts after an infection, called post-infection IBS (PI-IBS). We know that certain enzymes in the gut, called proteases, can cause problems like gut barrier damage and increased pain sensitivity in IBS. Our previous work suggests that an imbalance in gut bacteria can lead to too much of these harmful proteases. This project will test if transplanting gut bacteria from carefully chosen donors, who have low levels of these enzymes and specific beneficial microbes, can help reduce symptoms in PI-IBS patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 21 or older who have been diagnosed with post-infection Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Not a fit: Patients whose Irritable Bowel Syndrome did not develop after an infection may not receive benefit from this specific treatment approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could offer a new, targeted treatment option for patients suffering from post-infection Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
How similar studies have performed: Preliminary studies in humanized mouse models have shown promising results where fecal microbiota transplantation reversed high proteolytic activity.
Where this research is happening
Rochester, United States
- Mayo Clinic Rochester — Rochester, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Grover, Madhusudan — Mayo Clinic Rochester
- Study coordinator: Grover, Madhusudan
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 below.