Clinical trial Recruiting at 10 sites Interventional Ages 2 Weeks to 4 Months

New anti-regurgitation infant formula (STELLAR) for babies with reflux

Official title: Study on the Efficacy and Tolerance of a New Anti-regurgitation Infant Formula: a Double-blind, Randomized, Controlled, International, Multi-centric Clinical Trial

Run by United Pharmaceuticals · NCT04358146 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This trial will test whether a new thickened infant formula reduces regurgitation in formula-fed babies with gastroesophageal reflux.

More Gastroesophageal Reflux trials

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages2 Weeks to 4 Months
SexAll
Enrollment346 (estimated)
SponsorUnited Pharmaceuticals
Industry-sponsored
Locations12 sites (Namur and 11 other locations)
StatusRecruiting
StartedMarch 17, 2023
Main results expectedDecember 3, 2026
Study endsDecember 3, 2026
Registry record updatedMay 4, 2026
Trial IDNCT04358146 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Formula-fed infants who have at least 2 regurgitations per day over the last two weeks and an average of at least 4 per day in the last two days, whose parents consent, and who meet the other inclusion criteria are eligible.

Probably not a fit

Preterm or low-birthweight infants, babies with suspected cow's milk protein allergy or post-enteritis lactose intolerance, and infants on interfering medications are unlikely to benefit from this formula in the study.

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

What this trial studies

This is a randomized, double-blind, controlled comparison of a new anti-regurgitation formula versus a comparator formula thickened with locust bean gum in formula-fed infants with reflux. After a two-day pre-selection period, eligible infants are randomized and followed for one month, with an optional additional two-month follow-up. The primary measure is change in regurgitation frequency and secondary measures include digestive tolerance. Standard exclusion criteria apply, including prematurity, low birthweight, cow's milk protein allergy, and recent use of medications that affect gastrointestinal transit.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the formula could reduce the number of regurgitation episodes and improve feeding comfort for affected infants.

How similar studies have gone: Other trials of thickened formulas, including those using locust bean gum, have shown reductions in regurgitation, so this approach has prior supporting evidence.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* ≥ 2 regurgitation episodes per day during the last 2 weeks and ≥ 4 regurgitation episodes per day in average during the last 2 days,
* exclusive or predominant formula feeding
* whose parents signed informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* preterm infants or birthweight \<2500g
* Post enteritis lactose intolerance
* Suspected or diagnosed cow's milk protein allergy requiring an eviction diet
* Use of medications that may interfere with regurgitation or gastrointestinal transit (such as alginates, laxatives, antibiotics...). All these medications have to be stopped at least 7 days before inclusion visit (V1)
* Infants presenting with any situation which, according to the investigator, may interfere with the study participation, or lead to a particular risk for the subject

Where it's running

  • Center_15
    Thuin, Belgium
    Recruiting
  • Center_02
    Étampes, France
    Recruiting
  • Center_05
    Libourne, France
    Recruiting
  • Centre_10
    Maromme, France
    Recruiting
  • Center_16
    Nice, France
    Recruiting
  • Center_08
    Vincennes, France
    Recruiting
Show 6 more locations
  • Center_01
    Athens, Greece
    Recruiting
  • Center_11
    Thessaloniki, Greece
    Recruiting
  • Center_12
    Naples, Italy
    Recruiting
  • Center_13
    Naples, Italy
    Recruiting
  • Center_14
    Namur, Belgium
    Active not recruiting
  • Center_09
    Castelnau-le-Lez, France
    Active not recruiting

Study contacts

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.