Testing how drugs affect gastrointestinal stem cells to reduce side effects

Planar culture of gastrointestinal stem cells for screening pharmaceuticals for adverse event risk

['FUNDING_SBIR_2'] · ALTIS BIOSYSTEMS, INC. · NIH-10876481

This study is testing a new way to see how different medications affect the important stem cells in our gut that help heal it, using a special lab method that mimics human cells, so we can find any potential problems before these drugs are given to people.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_SBIR_2']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorALTIS BIOSYSTEMS, INC. (nih funded)
Locations1 site (Durham, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10876481 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a new method to screen pharmaceuticals for their impact on gastrointestinal (GI) stem cells, which are crucial for repairing the GI tract. The approach utilizes a proprietary culture platform called RepliGut® Planar, which allows for high-throughput testing of drugs on primary human GI cells. By assessing how these drugs affect stem cell functions such as proliferation and differentiation, the research aims to identify potential adverse effects before drugs reach patients. This innovative method seeks to replace less effective animal models and traditional in vitro systems that do not accurately represent human biology.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are at risk of experiencing gastrointestinal side effects from medications, particularly those with conditions requiring pharmaceutical treatment.

Not a fit: Patients who do not take medications or have no history of gastrointestinal issues may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer pharmaceuticals with fewer gastrointestinal side effects for patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using 3D organoid cultures for drug screening, but this specific approach using the RepliGut® StemScreen platform is novel.

Where this research is happening

Durham, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.