Tracking family members at risk for inflammatory bowel disease
Official title: Family Members at INcreased-risk for Developing Inflammatory Bowel Disease (FIND-IBD)
Run by Massachusetts General Hospital · NCT06655415 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is trying to see if tracking family members of people with inflammatory bowel disease can help find out who is at risk of developing it and how to prevent it.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 14 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Massachusetts General Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Boston, Massachusetts) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | December 18, 2024 |
| Main results expected | December 2034 |
| Study ends | December 2034 |
| Registry record updated | October 7, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06655415 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are individuals aged 14 and older who have at least one first-degree relative diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who currently have a diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease or exhibit clinical signs of the condition will 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 observational study follows unaffected first-degree relatives of individuals with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) to assess their risk of developing the condition. Participants will complete annual questionnaires and provide blood, stool, and urine samples to identify behaviors, dietary factors, and biomarkers that may predict the onset of IBD. The study aims to gather data over approximately 10 years to explore potential prevention strategies for high-risk individuals. Some assessments can be done from home, while blood draws will occur at Massachusetts General Hospital.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to early identification and prevention strategies for individuals at high risk of developing inflammatory bowel disease.
How similar studies have gone: While this approach is novel in its focus on unaffected relatives, similar studies have shown promise in understanding genetic and environmental factors in IBD.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Ability to give informed consent * Ability to complete all study visits and study-related procedures * Ability to understand and complete study questionnaires * Must have at least one first-degree relative with inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, or IBD-unclassified) * Age ≥ 14 Exclusion Criteria: * Individuals with existing diagnoses of inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, or IBD-unclassified) * Evidence of clinical signs or symptoms of IBD, which will be identified on pre-screening interview with the study coordinator.
Where it's running
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Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, Massachusetts, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Emily W Lopes, MD, MPH — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Emily W Lopes, MD, MPH
- Email: mghfindibd@mgb.org
- Phone: 617-726-5560
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Personalized Crohn's risk estimator (PRE-Crohn's) implementation and feasibility
This project will test a web-based personalized risk tool to see if giving unaffected first-degree relatives of people with Crohn's disease tailored risk information changes their behaviors and early disease markers.
-
Switching to guselkumab for adults with active IBD after ustekinumab
We will try guselkumab (Tremfya) in adults with active IBD whose symptoms didn't improve enough on ustekinumab.
-
Zymfentra (infliximab-dyyb) real-world cohort
This project will see if Zymfentra (infliximab-dyyb) reduces symptoms over one year in adults with Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, or indeterminate colitis who are starting or switching to the drug as part of routine care.
-
SMART-IBD app for teens with inflammatory bowel disease
This will test whether the SMART-IBD smartphone app helps adolescents ages 13–17 with IBD take their medicines and manage symptoms better than completing daily diaries alone.
-
Wearable data to spot IBD flareups in people with ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease
This study tests whether heart‑rate variability from participants’ own wearables can help predict IBD flares.
-
DISC-0974-201 for adults with IBD-related anemia
This Phase 2 trial will test whether DISC-0974-201 helps adults with inflammatory bowel disease who have anemia driven by inflammation.
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.