Dupilumab versus swallowed fluticasone for narrowing (fibrostenotic) eosinophilic esophagitis
Official title: Comparative study of dupilumab and fluticasone in management of fibrostenotic Eosinophilic Esophagitis; a pilot and feasibility clinical trial.
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-11333745 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial compares dupilumab injections with swallowed fluticasone in people who have fibrostenotic eosinophilic esophagitis to try to improve esophageal narrowing and swallowing symptoms.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | June 15, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $252,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK135692-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11333745 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with fibrostenotic (narrowing or stiff) eosinophilic esophagitis who have ongoing swallowing problems and are candidates for biologic or topical steroid treatment would be the ideal participants.
✕Less likely to help
People without fibrostenotic features, those whose swallowing problems are due to other conditions, or those unwilling to undergo injections or endoscopic testing may not receive benefit from this trial.
What this research studies
You would be randomly assigned to receive either dupilumab (a biologic injection) or swallowed topical fluticasone and then followed over time. Doctors will use endoscopy with EndoFLIP to measure esophageal distensibility (how well the esophagus stretches) and will collect patient-reported swallowing symptoms and quality-of-life measures. The study is a small pilot to test whether the trial procedures, measurements, and recruitment work before a larger trial. Researchers may also collect blood or tissue samples to learn about inflammation and scarring in the esophagus.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could identify which treatment better reduces esophageal narrowing and improves swallowing and quality of life for people with fibrostenotic EoE.
How similar studies have gone: Biologics such as dupilumab and swallowed topical steroids have both shown benefit in EoE, but direct head-to-head comparisons specifically in fibrostenotic EoE are novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Menard-Katcher, Calies D — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Menard-Katcher, Calies D
Related research
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A pediatric-focused study will combine biochemical, structural, and molecular signals from the esophagus to better tailor treatment for kids with eosinophilic esophagitis.
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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.