About the project
Feces is often regarded as a useless waste product, something foul-smelling we will get rid of as soon as possible by flushing down the toilet. However, recent research suggest that feces from healthy donors are worth their weight in gold, and can potentially be used in patient care.
The REFIT 2 study investigate whether microbiota therapy can be used in patients with irritable bowel syndrome. Microbiota treatment in the trial involves the transfer of feces from a healthy donor to a recipient. The donors and their fecal transplants have been carefully selected and examined to prevent diseases or disorders being transmitted to the recipient.
The study is led by researchers at the University Hospital of North Norway.
Objectives
To investigate if microbiota therapy (fecal microbiota transplantation) can be used to treat patients with irritable bowel syndrome in terms of fewer symptoms and a better everyday life.
Participation
REFIT 2 completed patient inclusion in May 2022. This means that the study is closed to take in new patients/participants.
Timeline and results
The study started inclusion in June 2021 and completed inclusion in May 2022. The first results from the study will be available autumn 2023 at the earliest.
Financing
The trial is financed by the national programme for clinical therapy research in the specialist health service, KLINBEFORSK.
Cooperation
Other hospitals in the trial:
- University Hospital of North Norway (main center), Harstad and Tromsø
- Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet
- Sørlandet Hospital, Kristiansand
- Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen
- Ålesund Hospital, Ålesund
All trial hospitals start patient enrolment in 2021 and enrolment is ongoing in 2022. The Clinical Effectiveness Research Group began patient inclusion at Oslo University Hospital summer 2021.
You can find updated information about the study at the study's information page (Click here) and on the study's Facebook page.