Could a bile acid blocker ease CF constipation?
NCT ID NCT06413368
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This pilot study tests whether Maralixibat, a drug that increases bile acids in the colon, can improve stool consistency in 20 children with cystic fibrosis who have chronic constipation. Participants will take the drug for two weeks alongside their usual laxatives. The goal is to see if it helps soften stools and makes bowel movements easier.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Maralixibat (Livmarli)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a new treatment option for constipation in children with cystic fibrosis.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very small, early pilot study with only 20 participants and a short 2-week treatment period. Results may not apply to all patients, and the drug may not work better than standard laxatives.
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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Phase 2/3
Runs two stages together: whether the treatment works, then large-scale confirmation.
- Participants
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About 20 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Apr 2025
- Expected to finish
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Jun 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
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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1 year to 18 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.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria * Ages 1 to 18 years. * Proven diagnosis of Cystic Fibrosis confirmed by genetic testing or sweat chloride testing. * Proven diagnosis of chronic constipation, defined as a Bristol Stool Scale (BSS) score \<3 while on a stable conventional constipation therapy regimen. * Stable conventional constipation medication regimen (no medication changes or dose adjustments) for at least 4 weeks prior to enrollment. Conventional therapy may include stool softeners, stimulant laxatives, or dietary interventions. Exclusion Criteria * Uncontrolled fat-soluble vitamin deficiency (Vitamin A, D, E, or K). * Changes to conventional constipation medication regimen within 4 weeks prior to initiation of Maralixibat. * Adequately treated chronic constipation, defined as a Bristol Stool Scale (BSS) score \>3 on the current regimen. * Known allergy or sensitivity to Maralixibat or any study-related ingredients. * Inability or unwillingness of the participant or legal guardian/representative to provide written informed consent.
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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
1 site. 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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Children's Hospital Los Angeles
RECRUITINGLos Angeles, California, 90027, United States
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