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Microbiome Therapy

Fecal Microbial Transplantation for Rheumatoid Arthritis (FeMiTRA Trial)

N/A
Recruiting
Led By Lillian Barra, MD, MPH
Research Sponsored by Lawson Health Research Institute
Eligibility Criteria Checklist
Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial
Must have
18-years old or older
Positive for the RA-associated antibodies, anti-citrullinated protein/peptide antibodies (ACPA) and/or rheumatoid factor (RF)
Must not have
Previous bariatric surgery
Chronic neutropenia
Timeline
Screening 3 weeks
Treatment Varies
Follow Up baseline, 6 weeks and 12 weeks
Awards & highlights

Summary

"This trial will study the impact of taking capsules filled with stool from healthy donors, known as fecal microbial transplant (FMT), on patients with rheumatoid arthritis."

Who is the study for?
This trial is for adults over 18 with rheumatoid arthritis, who have specific RA antibodies and are in remission or have low disease activity. They must be on stable RA therapy for more than 6 months and agree to the study's terms. A healthy donor with a normal BMI will provide stool samples.
What is being tested?
The trial tests if swallowing capsules containing stool from healthy donors (fecal microbial transplant) can benefit rheumatoid arthritis patients compared to placebo capsules without active ingredients.
What are the potential side effects?
Potential side effects of fecal microbial transplantation may include digestive discomfort, bloating, diarrhea, or infection due to transferred microbes. The exact side effects will be monitored throughout the trial.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

You may be eligible if you check “Yes” for the criteria below
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I am 18 years old or older.
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I have antibodies linked to rheumatoid arthritis.
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My rheumatoid arthritis treatment has been stable for over 6 months.

Exclusion Criteria

You may be eligible for the trial if you check “No” for criteria below:
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I have had weight loss surgery in the past.
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I have a long-term low white blood cell count.
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I have recently taken high dose steroids, biologic therapies, or JAK inhibitors.
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I have no health conditions that prevent me from receiving FMT.
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I have not received a live vaccine in the last 4 weeks.
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I use insulin for my diabetes.
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I have an immune system disorder or am currently on steroid treatment.
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I have received rituximab or chemotherapy in the past 2 years.
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I have a history of cancer.
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I have been diagnosed with toxic megacolon.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks
Treatment ~ Varies
Follow Up ~baseline, 6 weeks and 12 weeks
This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and baseline, 6 weeks and 12 weeks for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Study objectives can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.
Primary study objectives
Adverse Events
Change in Intestinal Permeability
Change in RA-associated autoantibodies
Secondary study objectives
Change in C-Reactive Protein
Change in Fecal Microbial Composition
Other study objectives
Blood Pressure
Body Mass Index
Change in RA disease activity
+6 more

Trial Design

2Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Placebo Group
Group I: Fecal Microbial TransplantExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Participants will be administered 35-40 FMT capsules orally with water, for a total dose of 80-100g. This will only occur once and takes approximately 30 minutes.
Group II: PlaceboPlacebo Group1 Intervention
Participants will be administered 35-40 placebo capsules orally with water. This will only occur once and takes approximately 30 minutes.

Find a Location

Who is running the clinical trial?

Lawson Health Research InstituteLead Sponsor
672 Previous Clinical Trials
414,481 Total Patients Enrolled
9 Trials studying Arthritis
1,016 Patients Enrolled for Arthritis
St. Joseph's Health Care LondonOTHER
27 Previous Clinical Trials
2,468 Total Patients Enrolled
1 Trials studying Arthritis
50 Patients Enrolled for Arthritis
Lillian Barra, MD, MPHPrincipal InvestigatorLawson Health Research Institute
~12 spots leftby Aug 2025