Antibiotic vancomycin tested as PSC treatment – trial stopped early

NCT ID NCT03710122

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested whether the antibiotic vancomycin, taken by mouth, is safe and effective for adults with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), a rare liver disease. About 102 participants were randomly assigned to receive vancomycin or a placebo. The main goal was to see if vancomycin could lower a key liver enzyme (alkaline phosphatase) over 6 to 24 months. The trial was terminated early, so the full results are not available.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

Vancomycin (an antibiotic taken by mouth)

What this could lead to

If it works, this could point toward a treatment to control PSC and reduce liver damage.

What could go wrong

The trial was terminated early, so results are limited. It is still unclear if vancomycin is truly effective for PSC, and antibiotics can cause side effects like gut issues or resistance.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Cholangitis, Sclerosing primary sclerosing cholangitis

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Arizona State University

    Tempe, Arizona, 85281, United States

  • Mayo Clinic Arizona

    Phoenix, Arizona, 85259, United States

  • Mayo Clinic Florida

    Jacksonville, Florida, 32224, United States

  • Mayo Clinic Rochester

    Rochester, Minnesota, 55905, United States