
14 Apr MOBIDIC
Molecular Biomarkers and Adherent and Invasive Escherichia Coli (AIEC) Detection study In Crohn’s disease patients (MOBIDIC)
Abnormal colonization of the gastrointestinal tract by Enterobacteriaceae might play a role in the development of Crohn’s Disease (CD). Clearance of this bacteria could represent a new therapeutic strategy in CD. The purpose of this study was to develop a non-invasive test to look for a specific bacteria, invasive Escherichia Coli, (AIEC) known to be found in certain patient’s with Crohn’s Disease. High levels of AIEC have been associated with premature recurrence of acute flare ups of the disease, longer lasting flare ups and more cases needing surgery.
Enterome Bioscience, the company sponsoring the study, are aiming to develop a method of detecting AIEC in stool samples so that an invasive procedure, like a colonoscopy, may not be necessary. This may allow AIEC to be identified in some patients thought to be at risk and enable treatments targeted to the bacteria.
This study enrolled 143 in Europe (75%) and in the USA (25%). Of those, 111 completed the study. The results showed 61% of CD patients mainly in remission were colonized by this specific bacteria. A significant association between disease activity and stool analysis were established which will allow Enterome Bioscience to pursue the development of this method in future clinicals trials with EB8018, a bacterial protein inhibitor.