Growth factor plug aims to heal stubborn anal fistulas
NCT ID NCT06632418
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Aug 04, 2026 · Updated 2 times
Summary
This study tests whether a collagen plug soaked with a lab-made growth factor (rhPDGF-BB) can safely help heal complex anal fistulas—abnormal tunnels between the rectum and skin. The plug is implanted during a procedure, and the growth factor is meant to boost tissue repair. The trial includes 12 adults with a single fistula tract that has a draining seton in place, and will check for safety and healing at 3 months.
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Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Phase 2
Tests whether the treatment actually works, and watches for side effects, in a larger group.
- Participants
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13 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Nov 2024
- Finished
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Jul 2026
- 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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22 years and older
- 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: * Diagnosis of a single tract perianal fistula not amenable to fistulotomy as determined by the supervising surgeon * Fistula must currently have a draining seton in place * Aged \>21 years old * Willing and able to provide informed consent and to comply with study protocol and follow-up * Stated willingness to comply with all study procedures and availability for the duration of the study Exclusion Criteria: * Medical conditions that would, in the opinion of the investigator or treating provider, compromise the safety of the individual with study participation and/or the ability of the individual to follow study protocol * Genito-urinary fistulization, including rectovaginal (i.e., fistulas that transverse the vaginal canal) * Presence of an ileal anal pouch * Any major surgery of the gastrointestinal tract (including one or more segments of the colon or terminal ileum) within 3 months prior to randomization; presence of stoma is not exclusionary * Prior surgical procedure (i.e., Ligation of Intersphincteric Fistula Tract or Endorectal Advancement Flap) for the target fistula or a perianal procedure that resulted in a large soft tissue defect within 6 months prior to screening visit * One or more of the following fistula types or anatomic presentations: horseshoe fistulas, fistulas that do not have an opening inside the anal canal or low rectum, blind ending sinus tracts (no external opening), branching fistulas (a previously performed conversion of a branching fistula tract to a single tract is not exclusionary), \>1 internal opening, moderate or severe proctitis, severe rectal mucosal fibrosis surrounding the internal opening preventing the securing of the fistula plug disk, any anatomical limitation to successfully securing the fistula plug disk. * Known allergic reactions to porcine collagen or yeast-derived products * Currently enrolled in a drug or device trial or within 30 days of last investigational drug or device administration at baseline visit where investigational treatment (drug or device) was placed in or near the fistula tract or may potentially interact with study treatment * Women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant during the trial * Active infection at the application site * The presence of malignant neoplasms at the application site * Prior radiation therapy at the application site
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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.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, Tennessee, 37203, United States
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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