Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Observational Ages 18 to 60

Evaluating biomarkers for treating Anorexia Nervosa

Official title: Novel Targetable BIOmarkers in ANorexia NervosA - BIOANNA

Run by University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland · NCT05885724 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing if certain biological markers in people with restrictive Anorexia Nervosa can help find better treatment options by comparing them to healthy individuals.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Ages18 Years to 60 Years
SexAll
Enrollment32 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Basel, Switzerland
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Basel)
StatusRecruiting
StartedMay 1, 2023
Main results expectedApril 30, 2025
Study endsApril 30, 2025
Registry record updatedDecember 12, 2024
Trial IDNCT05885724 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates include adults aged 18-60 with a confirmed diagnosis of restrictive Anorexia Nervosa and a BMI between 10-16 kg/m2.

Probably not a fit

Patients with severe chronic diseases other than Anorexia Nervosa or those who have used antibiotics recently may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study aims to assess the levels of Growth Differentiation Factor-15 (GDF-15) and inflammatory cytokines in patients diagnosed with restrictive Anorexia Nervosa, both exercising and non-exercising subtypes. By comparing these levels in patients to those in healthy controls, the study seeks to identify potential biological targets for treatment. Additionally, body composition and energy expenditure will be measured to correlate these biomarkers with physical health metrics. The findings may pave the way for more individualized treatment approaches for Anorexia Nervosa.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to novel biological treatments for Anorexia Nervosa, improving patient outcomes.

How similar studies have gone: While the approach of targeting biological markers in Anorexia Nervosa is relatively novel, similar studies in other conditions have shown promise in identifying effective treatments.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
N=8 adult male and female patients with confirmed diagnosis of anorexia nervosa restrictive type, non-exercising subtype

Inclusion criteria:

* Age 18-60 years
* Written informed consent
* BMI 10-16 kg/m2

N=8 adult male and female patients with confirmed diagnosis of anorexia nervosa restrictive type, exercising subtype will be included in this study.

Inclusion criteria:

* Age 18-60 years
* Written informed consent
* BMI 10-16 kg/m2

N=16 control participants, sex- and age-matched to the individual anorexia nervosa patients.

Inclusion criteria:

* Age 18-60 years
* Written informed consent
* BMI 19-24.9 kg/m2

Exclusion Criteria:

* Use of antibiotics within the last 31 days
* Current illicit drug abuse including daily marijuana or CBD (cannabidiol) consumption (≤ 24 g of alcohol per day allowed)
* Any kind of severe chronic disease other than AN (e.g. active cancer disease)
* Severe renal impairment (e.g. estimated glomerular filtration rate \<30 ml/min/m2) if resulting from another disease than AN
* Known liver cirrhosis or other severe liver impairment if resulting from another disease than AN
* Acute upper respiratory tract infection within the last 31 days
* Uncontrolled dysthyroidism
* Uncontrolled hypertension
* Current pregnancy/lactation or current treatment for in vitro fertilization
* Inability to understand the study information, to sign the consent form and to follow the procedures of the study, e.g. due to language problems, psychological disorders, dementia, etc.

Where it's running

  • University Hospital Basel
    Basel, Switzerland
    Recruiting

Study contacts

  • Principal investigator: Katharina Timper, Prof. — University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland
  • Study coordinator: Katharina Timper, Prof.
  • Email: katharina.timper@usb.ch
  • Phone: +41613285742

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.