UNMC researchers at the Frederick F. Paustian Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center, in partnership with Nebraska Food for Health at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, are collaborating on a clinical trial evaluating a novel prebiotic fiber supplement as an investigational treatment for Crohn’s disease.
The trial is evaluating corn bran-derived arabinoxylan, a fiber that is used as a supplement to the usual diet.
Crohn’s disease affects more than 1.5 million people in the U.S. and is an inflammation of any part of the GI tract that causes abdominal pain, altered bowel habits, bleeding, fatigue and, in many cases, can require surgery. Since it usually begins in the teens and 20s, this incurable condition can affect school and early life events like starting a family and career.
The research study is led by Peter Mannon, MD, director of the IBD Center and professor in the UNMC Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology. Dr. Mannon’s team includes study coordinators, nurses and laboratory personnel responsible for analyzing the collected study specimens.
“Our hope is to show that by using specific prebiotics, we can shift even the disordered gut microbiome in Crohn’s disease to one that is better suited to fermenting fibers and thereby provides less leaky gut and more anti-inflammatory effects,” Dr. Mannon said. “Ultimately, we hope to improve the effectiveness of existing medications and keep more patients in remission for longer periods.”
This open label, eight-week clinical trial hopes to enroll 10 patients with Crohn’s disease who are experiencing mild to moderate symptoms. Led by Dr. Mannon’s team, the study will be conducted at UNMC, and participants will receive compensation for their time. For more details about the study and to enroll, call 402-836-9594 or email tanette.welsh@unmc.edu. The IRB number is 0359-22-FB.