Microencapsulated Propionate vs Butyrate for Crohn's Disease in Remission
Official title: Microencapsulated Sodium Propionate: a Potential Ally in Microbiota Modulation for the Treatment of Chronic Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
Run by University of Padova · NCT07883044 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether microencapsulated sodium propionate can favorably alter the gut microbiota and inflammation in adults with Crohn’s disease, compared with sodium butyrate.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 75 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Padova Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Padova) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 1, 2026 |
| Main results expected | November 30, 2028 |
| Study ends | January 30, 2029 |
| Registry record updated | October 20, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07883044 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 18-75 with Crohn’s disease in remission or with mild activity (Mayo 0-1).
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with moderate to severe Crohn’s disease or other inflammatory conditions may not experience benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This randomized, double-blind, crossover pilot trial will compare microencapsulated sodium propionate to sodium butyrate in adults with Crohn’s disease in remission or with mild activity. Participants receive one treatment for 45 days, undergo a washout, and then switch to the other treatment, enabling each person to serve as their own control. The study analyzes changes in gut microbiota composition and metabolic pathways using shotgun metagenomic sequencing, along with inflammatory and immune markers and quality of life. The goal is to see if propionate provides similar or additional microbiota and immunological benefits compared to butyrate. The trial is conducted at the University of Padova with adult participants aged 18-75.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, propionate could offer a new way to modulate gut microbiota and reduce inflammation in Crohn’s disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work supports microbiota-targeted strategies in IBD, but propionate-specific clinical data are limited, making this approach relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Confirmed diagnosis of Crohn's disease based on clinical, endoscopic, and histopathological evidence (colonoscopy performed within 2 months prior to enrollment) * Disease in remission or with mild clinical activity (Mayo score 0-1), confirmed by clinical, endoscopic, or histopathological findings * Age between 18 and 75 years * Ability to fully participate in all aspects of the clinical study Exclusion Criteria: * Severe disease activity and ulcerative colites diagnosis * Positive stool test for Clostridioides difficile * Pregnancy
Where it's running
-
Edoardo V. Savarino
Padova, Italy Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Edoardo Savarino — University of Padova
- Study coordinator: Edoardo Savarino
- Email: edoardo.savarino@unipd.it
- Phone: +39 049 8217744
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.