Using fecal microbiota transplant to treat alcohol-related liver disease
Official title: Fecal microbiota transplant for Alcohol-Associated Cirrhosis
Funded at Virginia Commonwealth University · NIH-10912532 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at whether a special treatment using gut bacteria from healthy donors can help people with liver damage from alcohol by reducing their cravings for alcohol and improving their health.
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 | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $591,596 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AA029398-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10912532 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with alcohol-associated cirrhosis who are actively consuming alcohol.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of liver disease unrelated to alcohol or those who are not currently consuming alcohol may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of fecal microbiota transplant (FMT) as a treatment for patients with alcohol-associated cirrhosis. The study aims to restore the balance of gut bacteria, which can be disrupted by alcohol consumption, and assess its effects on reducing alcohol cravings and improving overall health. Participants will receive a standardized oral encapsulated FMT preparation in a controlled clinical trial to evaluate its safety and efficacy compared to a placebo. The research builds on previous findings that suggest FMT can positively influence alcohol consumption and cognitive health in affected individuals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new therapeutic option for patients struggling with alcohol use disorder and liver disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results with fecal microbiota transplant in similar contexts, indicating potential for success in this novel application.
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
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Fecal transplant to help alcohol-related liver disease
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.
-
Microbiota Transplant Therapy to Prevent HE Recurrence in Veterans with Cirrhosis
A Phase 2B multi-center study tests using donor microbiota transplants to prevent hepatic encephalopathy from coming back in Veterans with cirrhosis.
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Oral fecal transplant for alcohol-related cirrhosis
This trial gives capsules of healthy donor gut bacteria to people with alcohol use disorder and cirrhosis to try to reduce drinking, cravings, and improve thinking and liver and overall health.
-
Vaginal microbiota transplant to promote Lactobacillus-dominant cervicovaginal communities
A clinical trial tests whether transferring vaginal microbiota from healthy donors can establish Lactobacillus-dominant vaginal communities to reduce risks linked with bacterial vaginosis.
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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.
-
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.