Using fecal microbiota transplantation to maintain remission in Crohn's disease after stopping anti-TNF treatment

Fecal Microbiota Transplantation in Crohn's Disease as Relay After Anti-TNF Withdrawal

Phase 3 Interventional Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris · NCT04997733

This study is testing if a stool transplant can help keep people with Crohn's disease in remission after they stop using a certain medication.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 3
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment150 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 74 Years
SexAll
SponsorAssistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris Academic / other
Locations1 site (Paris)
Trial IDNCT04997733 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) as a maintenance treatment for patients with Crohn's disease who are in remission after withdrawing from anti-TNF therapy. The trial aims to restore a healthy gut microbiota in patients whose condition is characterized by an inappropriate immune response and altered gut microbiota. Participants will receive either FMT or a sham treatment to assess the clinical outcomes over a specified period. The study is designed to address the lack of specific recommendations for Crohn's disease patients in remission under anti-TNF agents.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 75 with Crohn's disease in steroid-free clinical remission for at least six months while on anti-TNF treatment.

Not a fit: Patients currently experiencing a flare of Crohn's disease or those who do not meet the inclusion criteria will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a new maintenance treatment option for Crohn's disease patients, potentially improving their quality of life and reducing reliance on immunosuppressive therapies.

How similar studies have performed: While previous studies have explored fecal microbiota transplantation for other conditions, randomized controlled trials specifically for Crohn's disease are lacking, making this approach relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria for patients :

* Age ≥ 18 years and \< 75 years
* Crohn's disease (according to the Lennard-Jones criteria) for at least 6 months
* Patient in steroid-free clinical remission for at least 6 months under anti-TNF agent (no clinical evidence of flare nor change in Crohn's disease specific treatment (anti-TNF, immunosuppressive, …) within 6 months before inclusion) and CDAI \<150 the week before inclusion) and willing to withdraw anti-TNF treatment
* Female of child-bearing age with an active contraception and this during at least the period of treatment (week 52)
* Patient with health insurance
* Informed Written consent

Inclusion Criteria for healthy volunteer donor :

* Age ≥ 18 years and \< 50 years
* 17 kg/m² \< body mass index \< 30 kg/m²
* Regular bowel movement defined as at least 1 stool every other day and maximum 2 stools per day
* Subject with health insurance (AME excepted)
* Informed written consent

Exclusion Criteria for patients :

* Crohn's Disease complication requiring surgical treatment
* Contraindication to colonoscopy or anesthesia
* Pregnancy or breastfeeding during the study (Cf. Addendum 4)
* Diagnosis of Crohn's disease restricted to the upper gastrointestinal tract (oesophagus, stomach, duodenum, jejunum)
* Patient with active perineal disease (defined as evidence of perineal abscess or active draining fistula or presence of seton or presence of perineal ulceration)
* History of more than one small bowel resection or small intestine resection \> 1 meter
* Current stoma (Ileostomy or a colostomy) or stoma in the last 6 months or any other intra-abdominal surgery within 3 months prior to inclusion
* Participation in any other interventional study
* Patient under legal protection

Exclusion Criteria for healthy volunteer donor :

\- For details, please see protocol

Where this trial is running

Paris

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 Crohn DiseaseCrohn diseaseInflammatory bowel diseaseFecal microbiota transplantation
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.