Predicting treatment success in ulcerative colitis using microbiota and metabolic signatures

An Early Combined Microbiota and Metabolic Signature in Ulcerative Colitis Patients Predict the Clinical Success of Anti-inflammatory Therapy

Observational Insel Gruppe AG, University Hospital Bern · NCT05702879

This study is trying to see if certain gut bacteria and metabolic markers can help predict how well anti-inflammatory treatments will work for people with ulcerative colitis during a flare-up.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment240 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorInsel Gruppe AG, University Hospital Bern Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsvedolizumab, infliximab, adalimumab, golimumab, ustekinumab, prednisone
Locations1 site (Bern)
Trial IDNCT05702879 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to develop a predictive signature that combines microbiota and metabolic profiles to forecast the success of anti-inflammatory therapies in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) experiencing a flare. The study involves a longitudinal, multi-center approach where UC patients and healthy controls will undergo extensive bio-sampling and clinical assessments. By analyzing these data, the researchers hope to identify early indicators of treatment response within four weeks of starting therapy.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18-80 with a confirmed diagnosis of ulcerative colitis experiencing a flare and planning to start specific anti-inflammatory treatments.

Not a fit: Patients with Crohn's disease or those with recent infections such as CMV reactivation or C. difficile related diarrhea may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enable personalized treatment strategies for ulcerative colitis, improving patient outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using microbiota and metabolic signatures is promising, it is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in similar studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria ulcerative colitis:

1. Signed informed consent
2. Age 18-80 years
3. General ability to understand and follow study procedures, fluency in German, French, or English
4. Diagnosis of ulcerative colitis since ≥3 months
5. Confirmed flare of ulcerative colitis with partial SCCAI score ≥5 points and at least one biomarker supporting intestinal inflammation
6. Planned start with ozanimod, steroids (prednisone ≥20mg/d or equivalent), or a biological (vedolizumab, infliximab, adalimumab, golimumab, ustekinumab)

Exclusion criteria ulcerative colitis

1. Confirmed cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation within the previous 2 weeks (tested as part of standard medical practice at the discretion of the responsible physician)
2. C. difficile related diarrhea, or other confirmed infectious diarrhea in the last 4 weeks (tested as part of standard medical practice at the discretion of the responsible physician)
3. Diagnosis of Crohn's disease
4. Current pouch or ileostomy/ colostomy
5. Severe medical, surgical, or psychiatric comorbidities interfering with study procedures

Inclusion criteria controls

1. Signed informed consent
2. Age 18-80 years
3. General ability to understand and follow study procedures, fluency in German, French, or English
4. No current or past diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
5. No current medical complaints typic for IBD e.g.

   * Diarrhea, severe constipation, abdominal pain, blood in stool, weight loss
   * Slight symptoms (without impact onto daily activities) are permitted
6. No other current relevant gastrointestinal disease or condition plausibly interfering with microbiota assessment according to the discretion of the study physician

Exclusion criteria controls

1. Confirmed cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation within the previous 2 weeks
2. C. difficile related diarrhea, or other confirmed infectious diarrhea in the last 4 weeks
3. Diagnosis of Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis
4. Current pouch or ileostomy/ colostomy
5. Severe medical, surgical, or psychiatric comorbidities interfering with study procedures

Where this trial is running

Bern

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 Colitis
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.