Clinical Research

Microbes in IBD
We are hoping to obtain funding for development of preliminary data on the bacteria that line the intestine and affect the recurrence of inflammation in IBD. This is clearly important in the recurrence of Crohn's disease after surgery, and in pouchitis, two conditions that respond to antibiotic treatment. We are particularly interested in how changes in the microbes, and antibiotic effects, can reduce recurrence of flares.

Healing Perianal Fistulas
We are hoping to obtain funding for development of prototypes of drug-eluting setons with our colleagues in biomedical engineering. Current therapies slow down fistula formation, but do not completely heal fistulas. We would like to combine setons with modern drug-eluting technology to stimulate healing.

Predicting Flares in IBD
We are hoping to obtain funding for studies of stool and blood biomarkers of future flares. Currently, we are not very good at predicting who will flare, and who needs adjustment in their medications to prevent a flare before it occurs. Biomarkers appear to have some promise for adjusting therapy before flares occur.

Predicting Intestinal Scarring in IBD
We are hoping to obtain funding for studies of blood biomarkers of ongoing intestinal scarring. Currently, we are not very good at predicting who will develop intestinal scarring and blockages, and who needs adjustment in their medications to prevent scarring before it occurs. We have an agreement with Pfizer to investigate this promising area, but we need funding for the clinical sample collection.

Laboratory Research

Scarring and Strictures in IBD
We are hoping to obtain funding for experiments to find out how intestinal scarring starts and what makes it continue, despite current medical therapies.

Treatments for Intestinal Scarring in IBD
We are hoping to obtain funding for experiments to test new therapies designed to reverse scarring in skin and lung diseases in models of intestinal fibrosis. Currently, surgery or balloon dilation through an endoscope are the only treatment options for intestinal scarring.