Evaluation of the SIMBA Capsule for Small Intestinal Dysbiosis

What this study is about

The SIMBA Capsule is a small, single-use, ingestible capsule that allows for the non-invasive sampling of small bowel contents using purely mechanical means. The study will compare the microbial and metabolomics analysis from the sample collected with the capsule series, to same-participant symptom questionnaires and stool microbial analysis.

Who can join (things the study team will check)

✅ You may be able to join if…

• Aged between 18 and 80 years.
• No previous diagnosis of Celiac Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, Crohn's disease, IBS, Functional Dyspepsia, and T2D by participant self-report (Control group).
• Prior diagnosis of Celiac Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, Crohn's disease, IBS, or Functional Dyspepsia, and T2D by a relevant physician, nutritionist, naturopath, etc, and willingness to provide documentation to confirm this diagnosis or have a consultation with the PI. (Disease group).
• Ability to understand and provide informed consent.
• Ability and willingness to meet the required schedule, study interventions, and questionnaire requirements.
• No planned change in diet or medical interventions during the study duration.

🚫 You may not be able to join if…

• Known disease which, in the investigator's opinion, would lead to intestinal structuring or obstruction with a risk of capsule non-excretion (particular diseases which would be assessed on a case-by-case basis would include, achalasia, eosinophilic esophagitis, cancer diagnosis or treatment within the past year, or previous esophageal, gastric, small intestinal, or colonic surgery. Appendectomy or cholecystectomy more than 3 months prior to enrollment are acceptable). The main deciding factor would be a history of obstructive symptoms in the previous 3 months prior to entry.
• Use of any medications or having undergone procedures in the previous week that could substantially alter gastrointestinal motor function (e.g., opioids, anticholinergics, laxatives, or GLP-1 analogues).
  • Stimulant laxative use (includes bisacodyl/Dulcolax, senna/Senekot, cascara, or fibre supplments) is allowed if it is kept unchanged in the week prior to the SIMBA Capsule ingestion. Osmotic laxatives (polyethylene glycol (PEG; other trade names), milk of magnesia, lactulose), stool softeners (docusate; other trade names) or secretagogues (linaclotide/Constella, plecanatide/Trulance, tenapanor/Ibsrela should not be used within 7 days of taking the SIMBA capsules.
  • Prokinetics use is allowed if kept unchanged in the week prior to the SIMBA Capsule ingestion (includes domperidone, metoclopramide, prucalopride). Inconsistent use of prokinetics will be evaluated by the PI.
  • PPI or H2RA use. Must be able to discontinue PPI or H2RA medications 48hrs prior to SIMBA capsule ingestion, medication can be resumed 4 hours after ingestion.
• History of oropharyngeal dysphagia or other swallowing disorder with a risk of aspiration of the capsule.
• History of known structural gastrointestinal abnormalities such as strictures or fistulas leading to mechanical obstruction
• History of abdominal radiation treatment
• Females of childbearing age who are pregnant or lactating by self-report. (should an X-ray be required for confirmation of capsule passage, a urine pregnancy test will be administered beforehand).
• No antibiotics, or colon cleanses/bowel prep for 2 weeks.
• < 2 bowel movements per week (Control Group only).

Where this trial is running

• Nimble Science, Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Who to contact

Gwen Duytschaever, PhD · 8664934633 · clinical@nimblesci.com

It's completely normal to call and ask questions before deciding anything. Mention the study ID: NCT05633706.