NCT07501078 · Muhammad N Aslam, MD
Aquamin® for Prevention of Ulcerative Colitis J-Pouch-associate Intestinal Inflammation
What this study is about
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a disease that causes long-term inflammation in the digestive tract, and many people with this condition require surgery to remove the colon and create a new J-pouch for stool. Some patients develop a problem called pouchitis, where this pouch becomes inflamed. Current treatments are limited, and there are no known ways to prevent pouchitis from starting.
View original scientific description
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a disease that causes long-term inflammation in the digestive tract, and many people with this condition require surgery to remove the colon and create a new J-pouch for stool. Some patients develop a problem called pouchitis, where this pouch becomes inflamed. Current treatments are limited, and there are no known ways to prevent pouchitis from starting. This study is being done to find out if a natural mineral supplement called Aquamin® can help reduce inflammation and protect the gut lining in people with a J-pouch, and may reduce the risk of pouchitis. By understanding whether Aquamin® is safe and helpful, the study team hopes to find a new and better way to prevent inflammation and improve the long-term health of people with UC.
Interventions
DRUG
Aquamin
Participants will take 2400 milligrams of Aquamin (containing approximately 800 milligrams calcium/day) per day (2 capsules in the morning, two capsules in the evening, or all 4 at one time), oral administration, for 365 days. If participants cannot swallow capsule whole, the capsule may be opened and mixed into liquid or soft food (e.g., water or applesauce) to be consumed. Participants will also take lactulose and mannitol on days day 0, day 180, and day 365 to measure the lactulose:mannitol ratio to assess gastrointestinal permeability.
DRUG
Placebo
Participants will take 4 capsules per day; 2 to be taken in the morning and 2 in the evening or all 4 at once. Participants will take this for 365 days. If participants cannot swallow capsule whole, the capsule may be opened and mixed into liquid or soft food (e.g., water or applesauce) to be consumed. Participants will also take lactulose and mannitol on days day 0, day 180, and day 365 to measure the lactulose:mannitol ratio to assess gastrointestinal permeability.
Primary outcome measures
Time to clinical onset of pouchitis using the Modified Pouchitis Disease Activity Index (mPDAI) clinical symptoms section
Time frame: Baseline up to day 365
The Modified Pouchitis Disease Activity Index was developed for diagnosing active pouchitis and quantifying the severity of pouchitis. The index includes the clinical criteria of 1) stool frequency 2) rectal bleeding 3) Fecal Urgency/Abdominal Cramps and 4) presence or absence of fever. Scores range from 0-6 (without endoscopic measures). The higher the score, the worse the disease activity.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Must be able to give written informed consent (or assent as appropriate)
- Must have the following: UC with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) using a J-pouch without an ileostomy within the last eight months
- For pre-menopausal women 11 years of age and older with intact reproductive organs, a negative pregnancy test is required within two weeks prior to the baseline visit. Participants in this age group must agree to use an acceptable form of contraception throughout the study per protocol.
Exclusion criteria
- Female subjects must not be pregnant or lactating; and female of childbearing potential unwilling to use acceptable birth control throughout the study.
- Must not be participating in any other interventional trial using an investigational drug.
- Subjects likely to be uncooperative or unable to comply with study procedures
- History or diagnosis of Crohn's disease
- History or diagnosis of hereditary gastrointestinal (GI) syndromes, Severe gastrointestinal bleeding/complications, (gastrointestinal bleeding from gastric or duodenal ulcers, or gastrin-secreting tumors).
- History or diagnosis of any gastrointestinal malignancy
- Kidney disease, including kidney "stones" or hypercalcemia. acute renal failure (past 12 weeks). (Note: A doubtful stone passed in the urine more than three years ago is not considered evidence of current renal stone disease.)
- Congenital coagulopathies or hereditary hemorrhagic disorders; treatment with therapeutic doses of warfarin or heparin
- Participants will be excluded if they have used any of the following within the past 30 days or are unwilling to withdraw for 30 days prior to entering into the study:
- Calcium, Magnesium, including multivitamins that have low amounts of Calcium/Magnesium and fiber supplements. (Multivitamins without any minerals are allowed).
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), such as Naproxen or Ibuprofen (except for occasional pain control or low dose aspirin for cardiovascular disease prevention) per protocol.
- Oral or rectal Corticosteroids (a type of steroid drug such as prednisone or cortisol that helps the body to regulate stress response, immune response and inflammation) and antibiotics (except these can be used briefly during a flare-up once the study treatment has begun after the subject enrolled, if prescribed by the personal physician). Inhaled and skin corticosteroids preparations are ok and not an exclusion criteria.
Where
- Ann Arbor, Michigan
Collaborators
Crohn's and Colitis Foundation
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jun 29, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations