Actively Recruiting
The Fecal Microbiome Transplant (FMT) Study for Anorexia Nervosa
Led by London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute OR Lawson Research Institute of St. Joseph's · Updated on 2026-01-23
20
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
84 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
L
London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute OR Lawson Research Institute of St. Joseph's
Lead Sponsor
W
Western University, Canada
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Anorexia Nervosa (AN) is a severe, debilitating and potentially life threatening illness that is difficult to treat. A cardinal symptom of AN is the mistaken belief on the part of the individuals that they are overweight and must continue to restrict intake. This fixed false belief is a detrimental factor to recovery. It is known that AN involves disturbance in the gut microbiome (GM; the microbes that live in the lower intestinal tract). The GM also affects how one thinks and makes food choices - there appears to be a direct link between the GM and how the brain functions. This connection is thought to occur through chemical processes that convey information from the gut to the brain. It is known that fecal microbiome transplant (FMT) has been useful in treating several illnesses, including several mental illnesses. The investigators intend to deliver FMT to individuals with AN to determine the extent to which this modifies their GM, their biochemistry, their thinking processes and their moods and emotions. The investigators believe this will illuminate important aspects of AN that keep the illness in place, and that this will uncover useful approaches to better treat it.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
The Fecal Microbiome Transplant (FMT) Study for Anorexia Nervosa
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Meet DSM 5 criteria for anorexia nervosa, restricting type, moderate or higher severity with BMI less than 17
- Willing and able to swallow FMT capsules without vomiting
- Able to read and understand conversational English
You will not qualify if you...
- Medical or psychiatric instability requiring hospitalization
- Diagnosis of anorexia nervosa binge/purge type
- Use of antibiotics or probiotics in the month before treatment
- Regular oral steroid use or potent topical steroid use on large skin areas
- Chronic immune compromise or chronic illness affecting intestines or metabolism
- Pregnancy or planning pregnancy during the study
- Currently enrolled in any treatment program involving refeeding
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
London Health Sciences Research Institute
London, Ontario, Canada, N6J 1A2
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
M
Michael Wammes
CONTACT
M
Medina Meddaoui
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Masking
N/A
Allocation
N/A
Model
N/A
Primary Purpose
N/A
Number of Arms
1
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