IBD Research at the Zane Cohen Centre

Information on research and clinical trials in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Current Studies

Crohn's Disease & Ulcerative Colitis

• Characterization of the Intestinal Microbiome in Patients with and without PSC
  The objective is to assess the composition of the microbiome in patients with and without PSC, IBD patients without PSC (Ulcerative colitis and colonic Crohn’s disease) and healthy controls.

• Genetic Analysis of Infliximab-treated Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients
  Objective is to identify differentially expressed genes between responders and non-responders to Infliximab therapy and to examine if significant gene expression differences exist between Infliximab-treated Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s Disease patients.

• The Identification of Genes for Inflammatory Bowel Disease
  Objective is to identify new genes or biomarkers that may be responsible for causing Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and understand the role of previously identified genes in IBD.

• Dietary Information (Food Diaries), Tissue (Biopsy) collections and Stool collections for IBD studies
  Objective is to understand how diet and other biomarkers may affect the gut microbiome in IBD.

• The CCFC Michael J. Howorth GEM Project
  To Identify why some individuals develop Crohn's Disease and others do not. This is accomplished by following healthy individuals considered to be at high risk for developing Crohn's disease over several years and measuring several factors before and after a diagnosis of Crohn's disease is made.

• The ENABLE Study (Equitability of Insurance Access to Biologics and its Impact on Effectiveness)
  Objective is to formally assess the time interval from application for coverage of anti-TNF therapy (including Remicade and Humira) to first dose for privately vs. publicly insured patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and to study whether potential delays in access to this therapy will have an effect on health outcomes such as hospitalization or surgery.

• Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM): Prevalence and Longitudinal Impact on Adherence to Conventional Therapy in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
  Objective is to gain insight into the use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) among patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), the different types of CAM, and perceived benefits of CAM that will help us better understand patients and potentially lead to better care.

• The SAFE Study (Survey on Awareness of Extraintestinal Inflammatory Bowel Disease)
  Objective is to assess Inflammatory Bowel Disease patients' awareness of extra intestinal manifestations associated with Inflammatory Bowel Disease and inquire about where patients obtain their information on IBD.

Ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis study involving an investigational subcutaneous medication (AMG 181). Double-blind, placebo controlled study.
Objective is to study 4 doses of AMG 181 compared to placebo. There is an option to enter an open-label study following this one.

Crohn's Disease

• Crohn's disease study involving an investigational intravenous and subcutaneous medication (MEDI2070 - IL-23). Double-blind, placebo controlled study.
  Objective is to study one dose of MEDI2070 compared to placebo. There is an option to enter an open-label study following this one.

• Crohn's disease study involving an investigational subcutaneous medication (AMG 181). Double-blind, placebo controlled study.
  Objective is to study 4 doses of AMG 181 compared to placebo. There is an option to enter an open-label study following this one.

• Crohn’s Disease Study involving an investigational subcutaneous medication (PF-04236921)). Double-blind, placebo-controlled study.
  Objective is to study three doses of medication as compared to placebo. There is an open label study that follows this one.

• Mechanisms of Intestinal Inflammation Following Ileal Resection for Crohn's Disease
  Objective is to evaluate microbial and gene expression factors which are associated with the recurrence of small bowel inflammation following surgery for Crohn’s Disease. This will have practical implications for evaluating which patients are more likely to rapidly recur as well as provide insight into the pathogenesis of Crohn’s Disease.

Hepatobiliary Bowel Study