Ongoing Clinical Trials for Autoimmune Uveitis
There is currently 1 ongoing clinical trial investigating new treatment approaches for autoimmune uveitis. This trial is exploring the use of a probiotic supplement to help manage inflammation in the eye caused by the immune system mistakenly attacking eye tissues.
Clinical trial locations
Study on the Effects of Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 in Patients with Autoimmune Uveitis
This clinical trial is investigating whether a probiotic supplement called Mutaflor, which contains a specific strain of beneficial bacteria known as Escherichia coli Nissle 1917, can help manage the symptoms of non-infectious uveitis. The condition occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the tissues inside the eye, causing inflammation that can lead to pain, redness, blurred vision, and sensitivity to light.
Who can participate:
- Adults aged 18 to 64 years
- People diagnosed with autoimmune uveitis (inflammation in the eye not caused by infection)
- Those who have experienced a flare-up of their condition within the past 6 months before joining the study
- Both men and women are eligible
Who cannot participate:
- People with any infectious disease caused by bacteria, viruses, or other germs
- Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Anyone with a history of severe allergic reactions to medications or vaccines, such as difficulty breathing or facial swelling
- Those who have taken part in another clinical trial within the last 30 days
- People with other autoimmune diseases besides uveitis
- Individuals currently taking immunosuppressive therapy (medications that weaken the immune system)
- Anyone with a history of cancer in the past 5 years, except for certain skin cancers
- People with uncontrolled high blood pressure
- Those with severe liver or kidney disease
- Individuals with mental health conditions that might interfere with their ability to participate
What the trial involves:
Participants will take the probiotic supplement orally in the form of gastro-resistant capsules, which are designed to pass through the stomach and release the beneficial bacteria in the intestines. The treatment period lasts for 12 months.
During the study, researchers will carefully monitor several important aspects:
- How long it takes for the disease to relapse or return after initial treatment
- The severity of any relapses that occur
- The total number of relapses during the 12-month period
- Changes in vision quality using specialized measurements like Best Corrected Visual Acuity (BCVA) and Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), which helps assess the health of the retina
Study focus and goal:
The main goal of this trial is to evaluate whether this probiotic can be an effective treatment option for managing autoimmune uveitis. The researchers believe that by supporting a healthy balance of bacteria in the gut, the probiotic may help reduce inflammation in the eye by positively influencing the immune system. This approach is based on the understanding that the gut microbiome (the community of bacteria living in the intestines) can play a role in how the immune system functions throughout the body.
Investigational treatment:
The probiotic being tested is Escherichia coli Nissle 1917, a beneficial strain of bacteria that has been studied for various health conditions. In this trial, researchers want to see if it can help reduce the frequency and severity of inflammation flare-ups in the eye by supporting the immune system in a positive way.
Summary
Currently, there is one clinical trial available for people with autoimmune uveitis, taking place in Czechia. This trial represents an innovative approach to managing the condition by exploring the potential benefits of probiotic supplementation rather than traditional immunosuppressive medications. The study focuses on whether supporting gut health with beneficial bacteria can influence the immune system in a way that reduces inflammation in the eye.
The trial is particularly notable for its use of Escherichia coli Nissle 1917, a well-studied probiotic strain, as a potential treatment for an autoimmune eye condition. This reflects growing scientific interest in understanding how the gut microbiome may affect immune-related diseases throughout the body. The 12-month study period will provide valuable information about whether this approach can help reduce the frequency and severity of flare-ups in people living with this challenging condition.
