Esophageal antigen test-guided diet for eosinophilic esophagitis
Official title: A Pilot Feasibility Study of Esophageal Antigen Test (EAT) Directed Diet versus Sham Diet for treatment of Eosinophilic Esophagitis: Novel Insights
Funded at Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah · NIH-11445933 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A small, patient-friendly diet approach using a new esophageal antibody test aims to help people with eosinophilic esophagitis identify foods to avoid without repeated invasive procedures.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project start | September 7, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $308,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DK141696-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11445933 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals diagnosed with eosinophilic esophagitis who are exploring diet-based management and willing to participate in tests of the EAT-guided diet approach.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with eosinophilic esophagitis who do not respond to diet changes or who have contraindications to dietary modification may not experience benefit.
What this research studies
This project tests a new tool called the Esophageal Antigen Test (EAT) that detects food-specific antibodies in esophageal samples to guide diet changes for eosinophilic esophagitis. Participants would follow a targeted elimination diet based on EAT results and undergo standard monitoring to see if symptoms and esophageal health improve. The study seeks to minimize endoscopies and invasive steps while offering a practical, diet-driven treatment option. If successful, patients could have a clearer path to long-term control with fewer procedures and lower costs.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients may achieve better symptom control with a personalized, cost-effective dietary plan and fewer invasive procedures.
How similar studies have gone: Prior small studies suggest that esophageal antibody testing can identify trigger foods, but larger trials are needed to confirm benefit.
Where this research is happening
-
Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah
Salt Lake City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Peterson, Kathryn a — Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Peterson, Kathryn a
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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.