Fecal transplant to help alcohol-related liver disease
Official title: Fecal microbiota transplant for Alcohol-Associated Cirrhosis
Funded at Virginia Commonwealth University · NIH-11402247 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A clinical trial will test whether a standardized oral fecal microbiota transplant (FMT) capsule can help people with alcohol-related liver disease drink less and feel mentally better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Commonwealth University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richmond, United States) |
| Project start | September 12, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $556,445 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AA029398-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11402247 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with alcohol-associated cirrhosis who drink and meet the trial criteria.
✕Less likely to help
Some participants may not experience meaningful changes in drinking or liver outcomes.
What this research studies
This trial explores a gut-based therapy for people with alcohol-associated cirrhosis. Participants will receive a standardized FMT capsule or a placebo at baseline and again at day 30 in a double-blind design. The study looks at whether restructuring the gut microbiome can reduce alcohol consumption, cravings, and improve cognitive and quality-of-life measures. The team has prior evidence suggesting FMT is safe in cirrhosis and may influence drinking behavior. If successful, this could offer a new approach to support sobriety and liver health in AUD cirrhosis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, participants may experience reduced alcohol cravings and improved liver-related health and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous randomized trials in cirrhosis showed safety of FMT and hints of benefit in drinking and cognition.
Where this research is happening
-
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bajaj, Jasmohan S — Virginia Commonwealth University
- Study coordinator: Bajaj, Jasmohan S
Related research
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Oral fecal transplant for alcohol-related cirrhosis
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National Fecal Microbiota Transplant (FMT) Registry
This registry collects health and safety information from people who receive fecal microbiota transplants or related live-microbe treatments to help patients with recurrent or severe C. difficile infection.
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Gut Restore-PAH: Microbiota Transplant to Help Pulmonary Angiopathy
A small pilot study will test whether transplanting healthy gut bacteria, with antibiotics beforehand and fiber support, can help people with pulmonary arterial hypertension.
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.