Could a string swallowed in a pill replace endoscopy for EoE?
NCT ID NCT07027826
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Sep 18, 2026 · Updated 58 times
Summary
This study tests whether a simple esophageal string test (EST) can diagnose eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) in people who have trouble swallowing. Participants swallow a capsule with a nylon string that collects fluid from the esophagus, which is then analyzed. The results will be compared to standard endoscopy to see if the EST is accurate enough to be used as a screening tool, especially in areas where endoscopy is not readily available.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- esophageal string test (a capsule with a nylon string that collects esophageal fluids)
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could provide a cheap, simple way to diagnose eosinophilic esophagitis without needing an endoscopy, especially in areas with limited healthcare access.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage diagnostic study (70 people) comparing the string test to endoscopy. The test may not be accurate enough to replace the gold standard, and results may not apply to other populations.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 70 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Expected to start
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Sep 2026
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
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Aug 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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A government research agency
The lead sponsor is the US National Institutes of Health.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 to 65 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
* INCLUSION CRITERIA: In order to be eligible to participate in this study, an individual must meet all of the following criteria: 1. Able to provide informed consent. 2. Aged 18 to 65 years. 3. Born in the African continent or their parents were born in Africa, 4. Exhibiting symptoms of dysphagia and/or prior history of food impaction. 5. Undergoing clinically indicated endoscopy at the NIH Clinical Center (U.S.), Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Gabriel Tour(SqrRoot)(Copyright) (Mali), or other local clinics (Mali) and willing to provide research samples and data. EXCLUSION CRITERIA: An individual who meets any of the following criteria will be excluded from participation in this study: 1. Recent steroid use (systemic or swallowed/topical corticosteroid) within 4 weeks prior to endoscopy. 2. Recent use of dupilumab (Dupixent) within the last 6 months. 3. Recent use of other biologic medications (within either 6 months or 5 half-lives, whichever is longer). Examples of biologic medications include: 3a. mepolizumab (Nucala) 3b. reslizumab (Cinqair, Cinqaero) 3c. benralizumab (Fasenra) 3d. cendakimab 3e. tezepelumab (Tezspire) 3f. barzolvolimab 4\. Individuals suffering from a bleeding diathesis (e.g., hemophilia, severe thrombocytopenia). 5\. Current use of anticoagulant medications. 6\. Pregnancy. 7\. Treatment with another investigational drug or other investigational intervention within 6 months or 5 half-lives whichever is longer. 8\. Individuals with a known history of any of the following: 8a. eosinophilic esophagitis 8b. esophageal stricture unable to be passed with an upper endoscope 8c. esophageal cancer 8d. esophageal motility disorder (e.g., achalasia) 8e. esophageal varices 8f. esophageal or gastric surgery including fundoplication 8g. neurologic cause of dysphagia (e.g., stroke, Parkinson s disease, etc.) 8h. allergy to gelatin 8i. inability to swallow pills 9\. Any condition that, in the investigator s opinion, places the individual at undue risk by participating in the study. Co-enrollment guidelines: Co-enrollment in other trials is restricted, other than enrollment on observational studies. Consideration for co-enrollment in trials evaluating the use of a licensed medication will require the approval of the principal investigator in consultation with the medical monitor. Study staff should be notified of co-enrollment on any other protocol as it may require the approval of the principal investigator.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
3 sites in 2 countries. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Gabriel Toure University Hospital Center
NOT_YET_RECRUITINGBamako, Mali
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Mali International Center for Excellence in Research
NOT_YET_RECRUITINGBamako, Mali
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National Institutes of Health Clinical Center
RECRUITINGBethesda, Maryland, 20892, United States
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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- A gentle vibration could prompt safer swallowing in Parkinson's
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