XL1 device to gently lengthen the intestine and improve absorption for short bowel syndrome
Official title: Outcomes study for the XL1 distraction enterogenesis device to improve nutrient absorption in short bowel syndrome patients
Funded at Eclipse Enterogenesis, INC. · NIH-11253598 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A small implantable device called XL1 aims to gently stretch the remaining intestine to help children and adults with short bowel syndrome absorb more nutrients naturally.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Eclipse Enterogenesis, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Menlo Park, United States) |
| Project start | July 12, 2021 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $856,731 |
| NIH project number | 2R44DK127658-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11253598 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Children and adults with short bowel syndrome who have inadequate intestinal length to absorb nutrients and who are medically stable candidates for surgical implantation.
✕Less likely to help
People who are too medically fragile for surgery, have uncontrolled infection or severe liver failure, or whose remaining bowel anatomy is unsuitable for device placement may not benefit.
What this research studies
If you or your child join this work, a surgeon will place the XL1 device on the remaining small intestine to slowly stretch and lengthen the bowel over a period of weeks. The team will follow weight, blood nutrient levels, liver tests, infection signs, and imaging to see if absorption improves and to check for complications. The device is designed to be adjusted during follow-up visits and removed when treatment goals are met or if problems occur. Expect clinic visits, blood draws, and possible short hospital stays for the procedure or if complications arise.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could restore natural nutrient absorption and reduce or eliminate the need for long-term intravenous (parenteral) nutrition.
How similar studies have gone: Related distraction enterogenesis approaches have shown promise in animal studies and early human reports, but larger controlled trials are still limited.
Where this research is happening
-
Eclipse Enterogenesis, INC.
Menlo Park, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bessette, Andre — Eclipse Enterogenesis, INC.
- Study coordinator: Bessette, Andre
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.