New drug could ease CF constipation in just 4 weeks
NCT ID NCT06810167
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Aug 21, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tests whether tenapanor, a drug already approved for irritable bowel syndrome with constipation, can help people with cystic fibrosis who have constipation. Twenty-five adults will take a 50 mg tablet twice daily for 4 weeks and track their bowel movements and symptoms through questionnaires and diaries. The goal is to see if the drug increases spontaneous bowel movements and improves quality of life.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Tenapanor
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a new treatment option for constipation in people with cystic fibrosis, improving bowel regularity and quality of life.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-phase study with only 25 participants and no placebo group, so results may not apply broadly. Tenapanor is already approved for IBS-C but has not been tested in CF patients before.
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
-
Phase 3
Large-scale testing in a bigger group. Usually the last step before a treatment can be approved.
- Participants
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25 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Jun 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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18 to 75 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: 1. Having confirmed cystic fibrosis (either by sweat chloride or genetic testing) 2. Meeting criteria for CFrC Must include 2 of the following, with or without abdominal pain for at least 3 months, with symptom onset at least 6-months prior: * Straining in at least 25% of defecations * Bristol Stool Scale 1-2 more than 25% of defecations (change in stool form) * Sensation of incomplete evacuation more than 25% of defecations * Sensation of anorectal obstruction/blockage more than 25% of defecations * Manual disimpaction/manipulation of pelvic floor to facilitate more than 25% of defecations * Fewer than 3 spontaneous bowel movements weekly (change in stool frequency) * Loose stools rarely present without the use of laxatives 3. Willingness to avoid major dietary or lifestyle changes during study. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Use of any antibiotic to treat infection within the 4-weeks prior to study initiation (stable azithromycin dosed 3-times weekly for lung function is to be allowed) 2. Inability to discontinue standing bowel regimen (including fiber, stool softener, as well as either osmotic or stimulant laxative, pro-kinetic serotonergic agents, or other therapy) 2-weeks prior to study drug initiation (with ability to use osmotic laxative therapy as rescue therapy only). 3. Severe CFrC as determined by study team 4. Prior tenapanor usage 5. Hospitalization within 4-weeks prior to study initiation. 6. DIOS within 4-weeks prior to study initiation. 7. Other known/suspected mechanical obstruction
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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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Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, Massachusetts, 02114, United States
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