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The Functional Gut Clinic · RISE Study

UK Research Study · London · Manchester · Cambridge

Are you living with constipation, bloating and stomach pain?

Help us research a potential new treatment.

We're looking for people who've been living with constipation and stomach symptoms for 6 months or more to take part in a clinical trial.

Free health and gut assessments

Expert care and monitoring from a specialist clinical team throughout

Help shape future treatment for people living with the same symptoms

You'll also be compensated for your time and travel

Up To

£500 Compensation

For your time, plus travel expenses reimbursed

Patient speaking with a clinical specialist at The Functional Gut Clinic

Step by step

What to expect

A warm welcome, every visit. Our clinics in London, Manchester and Cambridge are designed to feel calm, not clinical.

1

A quick chat first.

Register your interest online and one of our team will email to ask a few pre-screening questions. No commitment, just a conversation.

2

A relaxed screening visit.

About 90 minutes at one of our clinics in London, Manchester or Cambridge. Expect a warm welcome, a comfortable waiting area, and a specialist who'll explain everything and answer your questions.

3

Simple tests, clearly explained.

Blood tests, a urine test, an ECG, and a quick health check. We'll walk you through each step so nothing catches you by surprise.

4

A short diary period.

A couple of weeks logging your symptoms on your phone, to help confirm the study is right for you.

5

Ongoing support.

If you go ahead, you'll have 4 more short clinic visits and one final follow-up. 6 visits. The first visit takes around 90 minutes, the remaining five take around 45 minutes each.

FAQ

Your questions answered

What is this study looking at?

We're studying whether a capsule containing carefully prepared, live microorganisms from healthy donors (sometimes called an "Intestinal Microbiota Transplant") can help improve constipation, bloating and stomach pain. Some participants will receive the study treatment, and some will receive a placebo (a dummy capsule with no active ingredients), so we can fairly compare results. Neither you nor the study team will know which one you've had until after the study.

Will I definitely get the new treatment?

Not necessarily. You'll be randomly assigned to one of three groups, so there's roughly a 2 in 3 chance of receiving one of the study treatments and a 1 in 3 chance of receiving the placebo.

Is it safe?

The study has been reviewed and approved by an independent Research Ethics Committee and the MHRA, whose job is to protect the safety and rights of everyone taking part. You'll be closely monitored throughout, and the study team is always available if you have concerns.

What will I need to do?

Attend 6 clinic, the first visit takes around 90 minutes, the remaining visits take around 45 minutes each, keep a short symptom diary, complete some simple questionnaires, and give blood, urine, stool and breath samples as part of your check-ups.

How long does it take?

The overall trial period takes around 19 weeks.

Will I be paid?

You will be reimbursed for reasonable travel expenses. In addition, you will receive compensation of up to £500 at the end of the study to recognise the time, effort and inconvenience involved in taking part.

What happens to my results?

If any of your tests show something relevant to your health, we'll let you and your GP know.

Do you share my personal information?

Your personal information is kept private and secure throughout, and you'll remain anonymous in anything we publish.

Can I change my mind?

Yes, at any time and for any reason. Taking part is entirely voluntary, and deciding not to (or to withdraw later) won't affect any other care you receive.

About the study

What's this study about?

Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation (IBS-C) is a condition with constipation, bloating and stomach pain that can be exhausting to live with - especially when nothing seems to help. This clinical trial is looking at whether a capsule containing carefully prepared, live microorganisms from healthy donors, can ease these symptoms. It's run by The Functional Gut Clinic, an IQIPS-accredited specialist gut diagnostics and clinical research centre, on behalf of EnteroBiotix Limited.

The Functional Gut Clinic building and entrance
Smiling woman representing a clinical research study participant

At a glance

Trial details

  • You'll attend 6 clinic visits over up to 19 weeks.

  • You will be reimbursed for reasonable travel expenses. In addition, you will receive compensation of up to £500 at the end of the study to recognise the time, effort and inconvenience involved in taking part.

  • The study is designed with your comfort and safety in mind, with close monitoring throughout.

  • You'll get access to free health and gut assessments, shared with you and your GP.

  • Most importantly, you'll be helping research that could benefit people with the same symptoms in future.

Trial details

You may be able to join if you:

  • Are male, or female and not pregnant, aged 18–70

  • Have had symptoms of IBS-C (constipation and stomach pain) for 6 months or more (diagnosed or not)

  • Have a BMI between 17.5 - 35 kg/m2

  • Live in or near London, Manchester or Cambridge and can attend in-clinic visits

  • Are comfortable with clinic tests, questionnaires and giving samples

Who shouldn't take part?

  • If you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant

  • Additional exclusion criteria apply, full eligibility will be assessed by the study team

We will check your medical history in our pre-screening emails and a member of our team will confirm eligibility during your screening visit. Not everyone who applies will be able to take part - if you have any questions, please feel free to email us at [email protected]

Man experiencing abdominal discomfort associated with digestive symptoms

Get started

Register your interest

Fill in a few quick details and we'll be in touch to talk you through the next steps.

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Regulatory information

The Functional Gut Clinic is an IQIPS-accredited specialist gastrointestinal diagnostic and clinical research centre, with sites in London, Manchester and Cambridge.

The RISE study is sponsored by EnteroBiotix Limited and approved by London Fulham Research Ethics Committee and the MHRA (IRAS ID: 1012072, ISRCTN15681288). Taking part is entirely voluntary. This is a research study. Participation does not guarantee treatment or benefit.

Learn more about The Functional Gut Clinic