Developing a colon-targeted butyrate tablet to improve cholesterol and heart health
Official title: Clinical development of a colon-targeted butyrate tablet to evaluate effects on cholesterol and trimethyl amine oxide in subjects at risk for cardiovascular disease
Funded at Biokier, INC. · NIH-11006033 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new pill that delivers a substance called butyrate directly to your colon to help improve gut hormone levels and lower cholesterol for people at risk of heart disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Biokier, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $435,882 |
| NIH project number | 1R43HL174321-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11006033 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for cardiovascular disease, particularly those with conditions like type 2 diabetes or obesity.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not at risk for cardiovascular disease or do not have related metabolic conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating a new oral medication that delivers butyrate directly to the colon, aiming to enhance gut hormone secretion in patients at risk for cardiovascular disease. By targeting the colon, the treatment seeks to address issues related to cholesterol levels and other cardiometabolic conditions more effectively than current therapies. The study will evaluate how this new formulation impacts cholesterol and trimethylamine oxide levels, which are important indicators of heart health. Patients will be monitored for changes in their cardiovascular risk factors throughout the trial.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a novel and effective treatment option for patients at risk of cardiovascular disease, potentially improving their overall heart health.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using butyrate for gut hormone secretion is innovative, similar strategies targeting gut health have shown promise in other studies, suggesting potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Biokier, INC.
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Szewczyk, Jerzy — Biokier, INC.
- Study coordinator: Szewczyk, Jerzy
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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.