Evaluating fecal transplant and diet changes for ulcerative colitis

Efficacy of Microbiome Manipulation Strategies (fecAL Microbial Transplantation OR Anti-inflammatory diEt OR Both) in Combination With 5-aminosalicylic Acid for Induction and Maintenance of Remission in Patients With Mild to Moderate tReatment Naive Active Ulcerative Colitis: a Multicentre Double-blind Factorial Randomized Controlled Trial(ALTER-UC)

Not applicable Interventional All India Institute of Medical Sciences · NCT06895252

This study is testing whether a combination of fecal transplants and an anti-inflammatory diet can help people with newly diagnosed active ulcerative colitis feel better.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment220 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 75 Years
SexAll
SponsorAll India Institute of Medical Sciences Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsmethotrexate
Locations6 sites (Kochi, Kerala and 5 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06895252 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effects of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) combined with an anti-inflammatory diet on patients with newly diagnosed active ulcerative colitis (UC). It employs a multi-center, double-blind, 2x2 factorial design to randomize treatment-naïve patients into four groups, each receiving different combinations of FMT, dietary interventions, and standard medication (5-ASA). The study aims to assess the impact of these interventions on disease activity and gut microbiota composition. Participants will receive FMT through colonoscopy and follow a specific dietary regimen over several weeks.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are treatment-naïve adults aged 18-75 with mild to moderate active ulcerative colitis.

Not a fit: Patients with severe ulcerative colitis or other forms of colitis may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a novel and effective treatment option for patients with ulcerative colitis, potentially improving their quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with fecal microbiota transplantation for various gastrointestinal conditions, suggesting potential success for this approach in ulcerative colitis.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Patients with treatment-naive ulcerative colitis of any disease extent. Patients with proctitis will be limited to 25% of the entire pool of patients.
2. Mild to moderate endoscopically active disease (modified Mayo clinic score (mMS) 3-6, with Mayo endoscopic score greater than or equal to 2).
3. Aged between 18-75 years.
4. Patients giving consent for FMT.
5. Patients who agree to adhere to the diet schedule.
6. Patients on oral or topical ASA for less than 4 weeks.
7. Patients on oral steroids/ topical steroids for less than 1 week.
8. Infective colitis should be ruled out by histologic appearance of crypt architecture distortion/basal plasmacytosis, or two sigmoidoscopies, at least 7 days apart showing evidence of endoscopic activity.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Patients with severe disease (mMS equal to 7-9)
2. Clinical signs of fulminant colitis or toxic megacolon
3. Presence of IBD-unclassified, microscopic colitis, ischemic colitis, infectious colitis, or clinical findings suggestive of Crohns Disease.
4. Patients who have been initiated on other therapies (biologicals or immunosuppressants (azathioprine/ 6-mercaptoprine/methotrexate)) for greater than 2 weeks
5. Patients requiring hospitalization
6. Pregnant or lactating women
7. Patients with current or recent history of clinically severe, progressive, or uncontrolled renal, hepatic, haematological, gastrointestinal, metabolic, endocrine, pulmonary, cardiac or neurological disease.
8. Positive assay or stool culture for pathogens (ova and parasite examination, bacteria) or positive test for Clostridioides difficile toxin at screening#
9. Patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) # The patients with positive assay will be treated appropriately and tests will be repeated. Those with negative assay and persistent activity will be included in the study.

Where this trial is running

Kochi, Kerala and 5 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Ulcerative Colitisfactorial designRandomized controlled trialFecal microbiota transplantationAnti inflammatory dietUlcerative colitis
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.