Using spermidine to treat colitis and prevent related cancers

Spermidine as a New Therapy for Colitis and Chemopreventive for Colitis-associated Carcinogenesis

NIH-funded research Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NIH-10795021

This study is looking at how spermidine, a natural compound, might help people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) feel better and lower their chances of getting certain cancers, with hopes of leading to future treatments for patients.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Nashville, United States)
Project IDNIH-10795021 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the potential of spermidine, a naturally occurring compound, as a new treatment for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and as a preventive measure against colitis-associated cancers. The study aims to explore how spermidine can improve the health of patients with IBD by enhancing their quality of life and reducing cancer risks. Researchers will utilize advanced mass spectrometry techniques to measure polyamine levels and assess the effectiveness of spermidine supplementation in preclinical models. The ultimate goal is to gather insights that will pave the way for future clinical trials involving human participants.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease, particularly those experiencing ulcerative colitis.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have inflammatory bowel disease or related conditions may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a safe and effective new therapy for patients suffering from colitis and reduce their risk of developing associated cancers.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with spermidine supplementation in early clinical trials, indicating potential for success in this area.

Where this research is happening

Nashville, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.