Developing a colon-targeted butyrate tablet to improve cholesterol and heart health

Clinical development of a colon-targeted butyrate tablet to evaluate effects on cholesterol and trimethyl amine oxide in subjects at risk for cardiovascular disease

NIH-funded research Biokier, INC. · NIH-11006033

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 typeSbir 1 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBiokier, INC. NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chapel Hill, United States)
Project IDNIH-11006033 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for cardiovascular disease, particularly those with conditions like type 2 diabetes or obesity.

Not a fit: Patients who are not at risk for cardiovascular disease or do not have related metabolic conditions may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

Chapel Hill, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Adult-Onset Diabetes Mellitus
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.